Colle di Val d’Elsa launches “Colle, City of Know‑How”: first chapter focuses on Lievito Colombo

Colle di Val d’Elsa launches “Colle, City of Know‑How”

The Municipality of Colle di Val d’Elsa has launched the cultural programme “Colle, City of Know‑How”, aimed at highlighting entrepreneurial stories from the area and turning them into cultural and tourist assets for the historic town. The initiative recognises local craftsmanship, production and entrepreneurial skill as central components of the town’s identity.

Opening chapter: Lievito Colombo

The first story focuses on Lievito Colombo, first produced in Colle di Val d’Elsa in 1953. Mr. Alberto Giubbolini, owner of a grocery wholesalers, started production in a workshop attached to his shop on Via delle Casette. With the help of his daughter Anna, the yeast was packaged by hand and initially distributed in shops across the province of Siena, launching a production story that later gained wider recognition.

Planned actions

To preserve and narrate this and other local production stories, the Municipality has planned concrete measures for residents, entrepreneurs and visitors:

• Commemorative plaque at the site where the first Lievito Colombo was produced, marking the beginning of the know‑how trail.
• “Lievito Colombo – Ideas that become enterprise” award, established in partnership with La Dolciaria: an award targeting business ideas, with particular focus on under‑35 entrepreneurs, start‑ups, micro‑enterprises and projects in the early stages.

Goals and local impact

The project aims to:

• value workplaces as sites of memory and identity;
• strengthen social cohesion by telling stories of local production;
• support economic development and the emergence of new businesses inspired by local skills;
• support Colle di Val d’Elsa’s bid for Italian Capital of Culture 2028 by highlighting the town’s productive roots.

Colle, City of Know‑How will be expanded with additional stories over time: the aim is to build a single, coherent narrative of the town that combines memory, entrepreneurship and cultural tourism. Residents and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to follow the Municipality’s announcements for details on participation and the award.