Whoever arrives in Valdelsa, rarely stops at Poggibonsi to admire the artistic treasures that are still here. The guides speak little of this centre known more for its industry than for its history.
Actually "there are two Poggibonsis..."; there is a modern, industrial and commercial Poggibonsi and there is an antique, historic and artistic Poggibonsi. The first is a slightly boring and industrialized town, but this doesn't have great importance for those who participate in her active life; the second is more charming, tranquil and conducive to recollection and meditation.
The two Poggibonsis for all their differences do not intrude upon one another; their being relatively well separated from one another permits them to live "together" peacefully. In fact, the more antique practically needs to be conquered, being situated on higherground, while the more modern is reachable simply by stepping off the train...
The importance of the area grew only from the 10th and 12th century, thanks to its position across the Via Francigena, the main road from Rome to France. In that period began the development of Borgo di Marte (later Marturi, Borgo Vecchio and then Poggibonsi), a settlement whose previous origins are however debated. Around 1010 appeared Borgo di Camaldo. In 1155 or 1156 the inhabitants of these and other burghs in the nearby were moved by Guido Guerra, of the Guidi Counts, to a hill where a new settlement, Poggiobonizio, was set up. Declared Imperial City by emperor Frederick II, according to Giovanni Villani it was one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Poggiobonizio, which was a Ghibelline city, was destroyed by the Florentines Guelphs, with House of Anjou in 1270. Emperor Henry VII ordered a reconstruction in 1313 as Monte Imperiale, but the works didn't survive him. In 1484 Lorenzo de' Medici had a new settlement built in Poggiobonizio according to the Renaissance ideal of the "Ideal City", and protected by a fortress designed by Antonio and Giuliano da Sangallo. Works, however, were again halted in 1510.
At Poggibonsi, there is tourist accommodation available in hotels, agriturismos, b&b and rooms for rent.