Anqua

Anqua combines a historic site with paths through the Tuscan landscape. Villa di Anqua is located on the crest of a hill southwest of Radicondoli. What is particularly interesting for your stay is that architecture, ecclesiastical heritage, and several described hiking destinations come together here to offer different excursion ideas: you can explore the history of the place or consider Anqua as a starting point for paths to streams, protected areas, and ruins.

Villa di Anqua and the history of the place

A defining landmark is Villa di Anqua. Its architectural complex is grouped around an inner courtyard. It includes the large manor house in palace-like form and smaller buildings. The complex thus conveys a clearly defined architectural ensemble that differs from individual historic buildings. The origins of the rural settlement also reach far back. Anqua probably developed around a church. Anqua and San Bartolomeo are mentioned in the tithes registers of the Diocese of Volterra from 1275–1277 and 1302–1303. The Chiesa dei Santi Rufo e Bartolomeo stands near Anqua. It dates back to the 16th century and was built on the foundations of a significantly older place of worship. Inside are a marble main altar and an altarpiece depicting Saint Bartholomew. The church interior consists of a single hall with a coffered ceiling. Those interested in sacred architecture will therefore find several specific details in a single building: the older foundations, the furnishings, and the distinctive spatial form.

Hiking trails through streams and protected areas

Anqua can also be explored via documented hiking routes. One hiking route from Anqua crosses the Rimaggio stream and leads into the protected Parco delle Carline. The trail thus connects the immediate surroundings of the village with a protected landscape area. A CAI hiking route reaches the ruins of the old chapel and the small cemetery of Elci. From there, there is a view of the castle. This route focuses not only on nature but also on traces of earlier settlement. For planning a day with different interests, this is an option in its own right alongside visiting the villa or the church. The “La via da Belforte ad Anqua” stage also has a clearly described profile: it includes two climbs, one near Radicondoli and one near Anqua. This makes it possible to classify the route more precisely by its trail characteristics, without requiring additional information about its length or walking time.

The surrounding area of Elci

In the wider surroundings of Anqua, the ruins of Castello di Elci stand on a rocky spur. They are located between oak and holm oak forests and the Pavone and Cecina rivers. Together with the route to the ruins of Elci, this creates a landscape in which historic remains and wooded river areas are closely connected. For further travel planning, also discover [Torri](Torri), [Badiaccia A Montemuro](Badiaccia A Montemuro), [Gaiole In Chianti](Gaiole In Chianti), [Radicofani](Radicofani), [Presciano](Presciano), [San Giovanni D'asso](San Giovanni D'asso), [La Fratta](La Fratta) and [Campriano](Campriano).

For the main travel overview: Siena.