Discover Iano: Thermal Water, Forest and Culture in Tuscany

Iano Between Forest, Geology and Local History

If, in Tuscany, you would like to discover not only well-known art cities but also a place with its own landscape and cultural history, Iano offers several clearly distinct points of interest. At Iano, thermal water reaches the surface at a spring and deposits travertine-bearing fossils. The surrounding area also contains numerous fossil and mineral remains. In this way, the history of the area is connected with geology that is visible in various places.

A Landscape with Exceptional Rocks

The hills around Iano date from the Pliocene, approximately 8 million years ago. Iano lies near the Selva di Camporena woodland between Valdelsa and Valdera. In the travertine beds around Iano, veins of a variety of calcite alabaster emerge through cracks; this is commonly referred to as onyx alabaster. This term should be understood precisely: it describes the variety without making any additional statement about its use or accessibility. The Falesia Masso del Becco is also located near Iano and faces southwest. The hill between Iano and Palagio, on whose summit the Santuario della Pietrina stands, is considered one of three islands in Tuscany that formed during the Carboniferous period. From the Santuario della Pietrina, the view extends far across the Valdera and its gentle hills to Volterra.

From the Etruscan Trace to the Nativity-Scene Trail

In the center of Iano stands the Chiesa di Sant’Andrea in Alliano, first mentioned in 1004. An Etruscan tombstone depicting a warrior, dated to the 5th century BC, was also found near Iano. Remains of the Castello di Camporena have been preserved in the village. The more recent history of the village is also connected with its available raw materials. After an agricultural crisis, Iano became known in the postwar period for the extraction of travertine, serpentinite, onyx and mercury. Another form of the village’s character is represented by the Presepi nel Borgo tradition: since 2009, Iano has come alive from December 8 with a nativity-scene trail. The exhibition extends for approximately one kilometer through the lanes to the scattered houses.

Paths to Pietrina and Pian delle Querce

To reach Iano, travel from Montaione along the road that leads through San Vivaldo towards Villamagna. From Iano, the road to Palagio continues along a steep lane to the Santuario della Pietrina. Below the Santuario della Pietrina, a signposted path leads through dense vegetation to the Falesia Masso del Becco. Another path to the Santuario della Pietrina leads through the holm oaks and pines of the Selva di Camporena. A hiking trail also leads from Iano to Pian delle Querce and can be walked year-round. A detour before the ascent to Pian delle Querce leads to a rare natural population of yew trees. A solemn procession takes place in the immediate surroundings of the Santuario della Pietrina on the last Sunday of September. Thus, alongside the landscape and geology, recurring cultural events and specific destinations also provide a focus for your orientation. For further research within this area, you can also find Sughera, Alberi, San Vivaldo and Zona Industriale Comiti.

For the broader travel overview: Montaione.