Monteaperti: Battle History and Acqua Borra

Monteaperti is closely associated with the 1260 battle. The Cippo on the hill, Acqua Borra and its traditional story, and a hiking route through the sites give the place different historical and scenic connections. When choosing a destination, you can distinguish between a monument, a spring and a themed hike.

Commemorating the battle on the hill

The Cippo della Battaglia di Monteaperti is a pyramidal monument commemorating the Battle of Monteaperti. It stands at the top of a hill with centuries-old cypress trees. An old castle dating from the 11th century, belonging to the Berardenghi family, once stood here. The Cippo has stood on the hill since the Romantic period. Thus, a battle monument and the history of the castle come together in the same place.

The battle, its date and its setting

The Battle of Montaperti took place on 4 September 1260. It was fought between Siena and Florence on the plain of the Arbia and Malena streams; Monteaperti is associated with this famous battle. The date, the rival cities and the setting give the historical connection a concrete context.

The Fiaccolata on 4 September

Every year, on the night of 4 September, the Monteaperti Passato e Presente committee organizes the Fiaccolata al Cippo di Monteaperti. The annual date thus ties in with the date of the battle and brings the monument back into focus. If you plan to attend the Fiaccolata, check the dates and arrangements for that year, as specific event details may change.

Acqua Borra: spring and tradition

Acqua Borra is a small thermal spring in Santa Maria a Dofana, near Monteaperti. According to tradition, it is considered miraculous. Beside the spring is a farmhouse built against an unusual travertine wall; Acqua Borra lies in the Crete Senesi landscape. People have visited the spring since the times of ancient civilizations. Clay objects found there are understood to have been offerings thrown into the water for the nymphs who protect the place. This connection brings together natural, architectural and traditional aspects: the thermal spring, the travertine wall with its farmhouse, and the interpretation of the clay finds.

Hiking route to the sites

The hiking route to the Battle of Monteaperti sites is about 10 km long, follows trails 335, 334 and 370, and passes through the battle sites. Monteaperti is one of the listed starting points; at the same time, the route passes within a few hundred metres of the village. The starting point and the route’s proximity are different details: the first identifies Monteaperti as a starting option, while the second describes the distance between the route and the village. Before setting off, check the local signs, as route information from the tourism authority may be updated. Both relate to the battle, but in different ways: the Fiaccolata is an annual event at the Cippo, while the hiking route passes through the sites of the events.

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

For the broader travel overview: Castelnuovo Berardenga.