Montefollonico: Building history and trails

Montefollonico brings together traces of several centuries, trails in Parco Il Tondo and the Vinsanto tradition. Its historic buildings date from different periods, while the park trails vary in length and walking time. You can shape your trip around culture, nature or local traditions.

Churches and building history

The Church of San Leonardo dates from the first half of the 13th century. Its architecture lies between the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its furnishings include a stucco altar from the early 17th century, made of lime stucco with marble-effect decorations. It contains a copy of a panel painting by Guidoccio Cozzarelli, depicting the Madonna and Child between Saints Sebastian and Anthony the Great.

The former Church of San Bartolomeo is a Romanesque building that was renovated in 1255. It is now deconsecrated and privately owned; the building houses a ceramics studio. It also preserves remnants of frescoes from the late 12th, early 13th and 15th centuries. San Bartolomeo thus combines a long building history with its current use as a studio.

The visible remains of the Abbey of Santa Maria de Follonico belong to the church within the abbey complex. In 1275, Abbot Stefano had the existing complex extensively altered. It probably dated from the year 1000 or earlier. The dates mark different stages: its presumed early origins and its later alteration under Abbot Stefano.

Gates, towers and historic traces

Porta di Follonica retains the jambs of the former gateway. It led to Follonica Abbey, which stood a short distance downhill. Two similar round towers flanked the gate. The fortifications were altered at the end of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century following the introduction of firearms.

A paved road runs below Porta a Follonica and is dated by researchers to the Middle Ages. Its route probably followed an older Roman road. The medieval dating and the possible earlier route therefore refer to two different historical aspects of the road.

Torre Moreschini was built at the end of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century. Until the time of the War of Siena, it was one of two towers guarding Porta di Follonica. At Porta del Pianello, the inner section is medieval; the coat of arms of the people of Siena is located high on the interior façade. The outer section is probably an addition from the 15th century and originally had a drawbridge.

Palazzo Pretorio is also part of the town’s building history: the civic building dates from the 14th century. It contains a bell from 1339, considered the oldest bell in Montefollonico.

Parco Il Tondo: trails and landscape

Parco Il Tondo is a circular grove of holm oaks and cypresses. Two round stone tables invite visitors to stop and rest. Typical Tuscan wildlife lives in the woods, including squirrels, roe deer, wild boar, badgers and various bird species.

The park has three marked, well-signposted trails. The red trail is the shortest, at 2.6 kilometres and about 45 minutes. The yellow trail covers 3.4 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The blue trail is about 5 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of two hours. Compare the distance and walking time when planning how long your outing will take.

Sentiero del Vinsanto and local tradition

Sentiero del Vinsanto follows a medieval route that once connected the castles of Torrita and Montefollonico. The trail connects Porta di Follonica in Montefollonico with the campervan parking area in Torrita di Siena. Along the way are five equipped rest stops with benches, signboards and themed information panels. The panels cover the history of Torrita di Siena and Montefollonico, the Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria a Follonica, also known as Il Conventaccio, and the adventures of Ghino di Tacco.

The Vinsanto tradition takes centre stage at the event “Lo gradireste un goccio di Vin Santo?” It takes place every year on 8 December in Montefollonico. Its fixed date can therefore be taken into account as another point of interest when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Osteria Delle Noci

Go to the main travel overview: Torrita Di Siena.