The Centro d’Arte Verrocchio occupies a site on the medieval wall of Casole d’Elsa, a high hill village in Tuscany, a short distance from the cities of Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra and Florence. The views over the valley from the terrace, where all meals are taken, are breathtaking. The Centro is the creation of English sculptor Nigel Konstam, who converted it from a traditional but derelict building to the wonderful place it now is. It offers two-week courses from May to October in painting, taught by visiting artists, and sculpture, taught by Nigel. Accommodation on site is comfortable but not luxurious, and the food is excellent. Painters can work in the studio, in the village or in the surrounding olive groves. Sculptors in an indoor studio or, if carving stone, on a terrace shaded by vines. Tuition is in English, but there are visitors from all over the world. The village of Casole, with its ancient buildings and narrow streets, is thriving, unlike many Italian hill villages. There are bars and restaurants, shops and an ice-cream parlour, street fairs, barbecues, free concerts, free film shows al fresco, and dances. Many people return year after year.
www.verrocchio.co.uk
Tel: +44(0)20 8869 1035
Nearest station Poggibonsi
Nearest airport Pisa (the Centre runs a shuttle bus)
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