Borgatello: Cultural History and Walking Trails

Borgatello offers travelers historic religious buildings, an easy walk, and other scenic destinations in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hotel in Borgatello, your choice may depend on whether you are primarily interested in the history of the Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie or would like to include walking trails in your trip. The highlights range from a short stretch through the woods to historic route connections and distinctive landscapes.

Getting Oriented and Getting There

Local bus services stop in Borgatello at “BORGATELLO N.13” and “BORGATELLO.” Check the timetable before your trip, as stops and times may change. The route from Colle to San Gimignano turns right at Le Grazie toward Borgatello and then continues to San Gimignano. Check current trail conditions and signage before setting out. The Chiesa di San Michele a Borgatello was built on the road between Colle and San Gimignano.

Religious History and the Via Francigena

The Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie is near the first of two historic branches of the Via Francigena that started in San Gimignano. In the 15th century, brothers Iacopo Luci and Luparello Luci built the Santuario as an oratory. In 1501, the oratory was expanded and converted into a convent. The Santuario includes a later-altered Renaissance cloister made of terracotta, between the church and the rectory. This sequence traces its development from oratory to convent; the cloister adds its own architectural feature to the story. A mass at San Michele Arcangelo a Borgatello is listed for Fridays at 6 p.m. in both winter and summer. Check the schedule before your visit.

Walking Trails and Surrounding Landscapes

The Anello di Borgatello is an easy walk through open countryside, with a short stretch through the woods, and includes some sections of the Via Francigena. The combination of open countryside and a woodland stretch gives the loop a distinctive character; check local conditions before setting out. A loop route from Borgatello also passes by the Badia di Santa Maria Assunta a Coneo. If you would like to plan a route around a named destination, you can use the Badia as a landmark; those looking for open countryside and a short woodland stretch will find these features on the Anello.

The approximately 4 km-long SentierElsa is in the wider area around Borgatello and begins at the hydraulic structures of Steccaia and Callone Reale. In the wider area around Borgatello, the Elsa forms an approximately 15-meter-high waterfall and a small lake about 10 meters deep at Diborrato. When planning an outing, these destinations are easy to distinguish: the SentierElsa is defined by its length and starting point, while Diborrato features a waterfall and lake. This lets you focus on either a walk or a striking river landscape, depending on your interests.

Discover more destinations: Castel San Gimignano, Campiglia Dei Foci.

For the broader travel overview: Colle Di Val D'elsa.