Verrocchio Art Centre - Casole d'Elsa, Provincia di Siena

Sabrina R.

Esprimere cosa si prova quando ti trovi di fronte al Verrocchio Art Center è impossibile, un luogo senza tempo. La bellezza, la Cultura e l'enorme gentilezza del Prof. Nigel Konstam, rende il luogo magico. Lo consiglio sia a chi desidera acquisire i rudimenti dell'arte della scultura, sia a chi ama l'arte in tutte le sue sfaccettature. Meraviglioso

Jill V.

This is a hidden gem which reminds me of stepping through a cupboard into Narnia. I first came here back in 2010 when the art center's founder was still alive. A rare Michelangelo of our times, Nigel Konstam, sadly passed away 2 years ago but has been honoured by Carol D'Elsa being buried by his famous sculpture of the Good Samaritan, just as you head out of Casole by the chapel. His daughter has now taken on his legacy of maintaining the historical art center. The center accommodates group bookings for sculpture or painting artists with rustic and cosy ensuite rooms, some including kitchenettes, but a large communal kitchen for self catering downstairs.

We loved eating alfresco on the magnificent terrace overlooking Tuscan Hills, watching swifts and various bird life, underneath the wisteria Nigel planted long ago. You can also eat inside the dining/lounge/library and there's an open fire seating area behind the kitchen for the winter. Also the center has various indoor and outdoor studios with many of Nigel's exquisite works on display. The hidden treasure is the Roman bath underneath the building which has to be seen to be believed. Apparently you need to book in advance, groups of around 15, particularly in the peak seasons. If you want a lifetime memory doing something extraordinary for your holidays, I can't rave enough.

sandra Z.

Un véritable paradis sur terre
La maison, pleine d'âme, d'art et de beauté, surplombe la campagne toscane depuis le village de Casole d'Elsa.
C'est un lieu unique, où l'on rencontre des personnes hors du commun.
Le village est magnifique et est un vrai village, très vivant
Je ne rêve que d'une chose.: y retourner

William

This is a fantastic Art Studio and study centre that was founded by. Very friendly people, nice rooms to stay in with excellent food. Very professional tuition in large studio space. This is owned and run by Nigel Konstam and his team.
"In Italy Nigel set up and ran The Verrocchio Arts Centre[15] in Casole d'Elsa. Within the Centre is the Museo Konstam[16] a number of Konstam’s sculptures and drawings are displayed. Many of his larger works can be seen near La chiesa di San Niccolò and in the village of Casole d'Elsa. Also in the Museo Konstam resides The Research Centre for the True History of Art" Wikipedia.
We stayed there for 11 days during which my wife participated in a landscape course run jointly with the St Ives school of painting. The tutor was Gary Long a well respected artist from the school who ran and excellent course.
The food at the centre was fantastic, washed down with local wine of course. the village is very picturesque, set on a hilltop in the Tuscan countryside.

Jamie G.