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City of crystal

In Colle Val d'Elsa, in the province of Siena, glass was already being worked in 1300. And this craft activity is still thriving after 700 years. Then the ovens produced glass vases and cups and today they make pieces of great quality and design in pure crystal which is mouth blown and hand engraved.
To get a complete picture of the area's production we recommend a visit to the Consorzio Cristallo ("Crystal Consortium") of Colle Val d'Elsa, an ancient building in the upper part of the city closed off by the old walls. A large part of the output of two important crystal glassworks and one group of artisans and glasscutters is gathered together here. There are glasses and bottles by Alison, taken from designs by Le Courbusier, and crystal vases taken from an original piece in metal by Mackintosh. There is a lovely display as well of the prototypes for the republishing of classical Tuscan pieces such as the Bacco wine goblet, the ball flask and an oil jar which was produced in the 17th century, known as Nassa.
In all of the village at any rate there are very many glass masters. Loreno Grassini, for example, apart from restoration of any type, does personalized engravings on blown crystal, from small ornaments to sweet bowls.

Arduino Bacci, creator of real masterpieces of glass cutting, is very highly valued too. Inspired by 19th century models he creates engraved fruit stands, bowls, bottles, wine goblets and vases. And there is even a fountain over a metre tall which reminds you of those described in the tales of A Thousand and One Nights.
Don't miss a trip to the Vilca factory, the only crystal glassworks which does mouth blowing. It produces wine goblets, bowls, glasses of every shape and size, spirit bottles in square shapes and cut wine jars.