Anqua: Villa, Church and Hiking Trails

Anqua combines historic architecture with trails in the surrounding area. Villa di Anqua is situated on the crest of a hill southwest of Radicondoli. Its architectural complex is arranged around a courtyard and includes a large palazzo-style manor house as well as smaller buildings. The hilltop setting describes the location, while the courtyard describes how the buildings are arranged; both features provide distinct points of reference for the complex. The villa is structured around the central courtyard and is not defined solely by the palazzo-style manor house.

Building history and church interior

The rural settlement of Anqua probably developed around a church. Anqua and San Bartolomeo are mentioned in the tithe records of the Diocese of Volterra for 1275–1277 and 1302–1303. The Chiesa dei Santi Rufo e Bartolomeo near Anqua dates back to the 16th century and stands on the foundations of a much older place of worship. Its interior consists of a single nave with a coffered ceiling; the furnishings include a marble high altar and an altarpiece depicting Saint Bartholomew. The early mentions predate the church, which dates back to the 16th century; however, the settlement’s development around a church remains probable. The church can be considered on two levels: its spatial form, with a nave and coffered ceiling, and the individual furnishings at the altar.

Hiking with different destinations

A hiking route from Anqua crosses the Rimaggio stream and leads into the protected Parco delle Carline. The stream crossing and entry into the protected area provide two clear points of reference along the route; local trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out. Another historically described CAI hiking route reaches the ruins of the old chapel and small cemetery of Elci, from where it offers a view of the castle. Before setting out on this excursion, it is advisable to check current access conditions. The described destinations have different emphases: the route from Anqua focuses on the stream and park, while the historic route features the ruins and the view of the castle. This lets you choose between a hike with a protected area as its destination and a historic ruin site with a castle view.

Landscape and cycling

In the wider area around Anqua, the ruins of Castello di Elci stand on a rocky spur amid oak and holm oak forests, between the Pavone and Cecina rivers. The rocky spur, forests and rivers create a landscape perspective that differs from the hilltop setting and courtyard complex of the villa. For a stay focused on landscape, these features complement the architectural themes with another perspective.

For cyclists, the La via da Belforte ad Anqua stage includes two climbs, one near Radicondoli and one near Anqua. The stage is thus characterized by two named climbs, while the hiking routes are identifiable by their waypoints and destinations.

Discover more destinations: Isola D'arbia, Chianciano Terme, Murlo, Casole D'elsa, Asciano, Monticiano, Badesse, Chiusdino.

For the main travel overview: Siena.