Casetta

Hiking, cycling, and cultural history give your trip to Casetta different points of focus. The specific route details and the history of Sant’Ansano in Dofana can help you explore these topics according to your interests.

Hiking and Cycling

The municipal hiking trail “La battaglia di Monteaperti” is located in the Monteaperti/Acqua Borra/Casetta area. It is 10.0 km long, has 275 metres of elevation gain, and is graded T. Length, ascent, and grade are three separate details about the route. The detailed route description was last updated on May 29, 2022; check the current route description before setting out.

The Berardenga Tour reaches Casetta and Acqua Borra via the road running parallel to the expressway; this section is the only flat part of the route. This describes two different route profiles: the length, ascent, and T grade refer to the municipal hiking trail, while the flat section refers to the Berardenga Tour.

Sant’Ansano in Dofana

The Chiesa di Sant’Ansano a Dofana is located in Casetta, in the hamlet of Dofana. According to tradition, Sant’Ansano was killed as a martyr in Dofana at the beginning of the 4th century. The earliest mention of the “ecclesia sancti Ansani” dates from 650. The church kept his body until 1108; it was then transferred to Siena Cathedral. These dates mark different historical references: the tradition of his martyrdom, the earliest mention of the church, and the later transfer of his body.

A few hundred metres from the church stands the Cappella di Sant’Ansano a Dofana; it has an octagonal floor plan. In 1504, the chapel was almost in ruins. In 1507–1508, the Bishop of Arezzo granted permission for its reconstruction. Since both the church and the chapel bear Sant’Ansano’s name, distinguishing between them helps with orientation: the historical account of the body refers to the church, while the octagonal floor plan and the reconstruction permit refer to the chapel.

Commemorating the Battle and Hiking Events

The Cippo della Battaglia di Monteaperti is a pyramid-shaped monument commemorating the Battle of Monteaperti. It stands on the hilltop and is adorned with centuries-old cypress trees.

Every year, on the night of September 4, the Comitato Monteaperti Passato e Presente organises a torchlight hike to the Cippo di Monteaperti. It starts at Acqua Borra, follows the Malena stream across the battlefield, and ends at the monument. As the procession’s arrangements may change, check the latest details before the event.

During a hike around Sant’Ansano, Montaperti, and Acqua Borra on May 4, 2025, Joëlette off-road wheelchairs, guided by companions, were used to enable participation despite physical barriers. The hike ended at the Circolo di Casetta.

Discover more destinations: Monteaperti, San Felice, San Gusmè, Guistrigona, Quercegrossa, Villa A Sesta, Pianella, Pievasciata.

For the broader travel overview: Castelnuovo Berardenga.