Montefollonico between Churches, Gates and Forest Paths

Montefollonico brings together traces of art and local history within a small area, along with paths through a Tuscan woodland. If you would like to combine culture, short walks and a landscape with a clearly recognizable historical character, you will find a wide range of points of interest here: from churches and gateways to signposted paths in Parco Il Tondo.

Churches and Abbey History

The Church of San Leonardo is a building from the first half of the 13th century and is architecturally situated between Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside, there is a stucco altar dating from the beginning of the 17th century. The altar is made of lime stucco with marble-effect decorations and contains a copy of a panel painting by Guidoccio Cozzarelli. It depicts the Madonna and Child between Saints Sebastian and Anthony the Great. Another historical trace is the former Church of San Bartolomeo. The Romanesque building was renovated in 1255, has now been deconsecrated and is privately owned. The building now houses a ceramics studio. At the same time, it preserves remnants of frescoes from the late 12th, early 13th and 15th centuries. The building's present character therefore derives both from its former religious function and from its later use. Among the visible remains of the Abbey of Santa Maria de Follonico is the church belonging to the abbey complex. The complex, which was already in existence, probably dates back to the year 1000 or earlier. In 1275, Abbot Stefano had extensive alterations carried out. This depth of history makes the abbey an important point of reference if you want to explore the history of the surrounding area not only through individual buildings, but through the development of an entire complex.

Gates, Towers and Medieval Paths

The Porta di Follonica preserves the jambs of the former gateway, which led to the Abbey of Follonica, located a short distance further downhill. Below the Porta a Follonica lies a paved road that researchers have dated to the Middle Ages and which probably followed an older Roman route. Several historical layers therefore come together along this section alone. The Torre Moreschini was built at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century. Until the time of the War of Siena, it was one of two towers used to guard the Porta di Follonica. The gateway was flanked on either side by two similar round towers, which formed part of the remodeling of the fortifications at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century following the introduction of firearms. The Porta del Pianello also displays different construction phases. Its inner section is medieval and bears the coat of arms of the people of Siena at the top of the inner façade. The outer section is probably a 15th-century addition and originally had a drawbridge. This historic ensemble is complemented by the Palazzo Pretorio, a 14th-century civil building. Its bell dates from 1339 and is considered the oldest bell in Montefollonico.

Walks in Parco Il Tondo

Parco Il Tondo represents a quieter, more landscape-oriented side of the area. The woodland is a circular grove of holm oaks and cypresses. Two round stone tables invite visitors to linger there; typical Tuscan species such as squirrels, deer, wild boar, badgers and various bird species are among the woodland's animals. There are three marked and well-signposted paths in the park. The red path is 2.6 km long and takes about 45 minutes to walk. The yellow path covers 3.4 km and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The blue path is about 5 km long; a walking time of 2 hours is indicated for it. The different route lengths give you a clear choice between a shorter circuit and a longer route option. The Sentiero del Vinsanto offers another link between landscape and history. It follows a medieval route that connected the castles of Torrita and Montefollonico. Today, the path connects the Porta di Follonica in Montefollonico with the motorhome parking area in Torrita di Siena. Along the Sentiero del Vinsanto, there are five equipped rest areas with benches, signposts and themed information panels. They cover the history of Torrita di Siena and Montefollonico, the Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria a Follonica – also known as Il Conventaccio – as well as the experiences of Ghino di Tacco.

A Local Event Featuring Vin Santo

The regional tradition is also reflected in the event “Lo gradireste un goccio di Vin Santo?”, held annually in Montefollonico on December 8. It celebrates the Vin Santo tradition and complements the historical and landscape impressions with a culinary connection to Tuscany.

To the main travel overview: Torrita Di Siena.

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