Share
Digg
RSS
Tuscany+
Where to sleep
Where to eat
How to get here
Our proposals
Mobile App
Multimedia
Download
This 29.8 km leg begins in San Gimignano and takes in about 7 hours to complete. It is one of the most beautiful legs of the Via Francigena, and after the frst section of the path, you begin to walk up and down in the valley of the Foci river, near Molino d'Aiano.
A path leads upward to the Romanesque church of Santa Maria a Coneo. Then you cross the bridge on the hilltop to reach the Romanesque church of San Martino di Strove. Then you go to the Abbey of Island, before catching a sight of Monteriggioni, with its unmistakable ring of walls and towers that dominate the surrounding hills.
Water supplies and dining is available only in towns.
CLIKC HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE MAP
Total length (km): 29.8
Type of Travel: On foot, by mountain bike
Travel time on foot (h: min): 7.30
Difference in height (m): 513
Descent (m): 563
Maximum height (m): 320
Difficulty: Challenging
Paved roads: 19%
Dirt roads and driveways: 70%
Mule tracks and trails: 12%
Cycling: 96%
Getting to the starting point: FS Empoli-Siena Railway Line, Poggibonsi station; bus line 133 for S. Gimignano
WHAT TO SEE
San Gimignano - The area of Aiano-Torraccia Chiusi has been known since the beginning of the twentieth century. There is a Roman structure that has recently come to light: it is a Roman villa of the wealthy aristocracy that was in use between the fourth and sixth centuries AD, and until the second half of the seventh century. A.D. The importance of the structure is proof of a strong and prestigious presence of Romans from Late Antiquity. It is also important for its position along the Foci river, an area long ago identified as the possible area identified by Sigeric in his journey from Rome to Canterbury (Sce Martin Fosse). Get there with the road from San Gimignano to Poggibonsi, just before the intersection with Colle Val d'Elsa, in the direction of Monti-Torraccia Chiusi; follow the dirt road and continue to walk to the archaeological area (about 2000 m.).
Poggibonsi - Its origins are ancient, and ruins have been foudn that can be traced back to Late Roman times, as well as Lombard and Carolingian times. In early Middle Ages, the presence of Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo in Poggio Marturi led to the growth of the village of Marturi. In Poggibonsi, it is worth visiting the Archaeological Park and the Fortress of Poggio Imperiale, created and designed by Giuliano da Sangallo on a commission of Lorenzo de' Medici.
Colle Val d’Elsa - Dometaia Archeological Park - Etruscan traces along the Via Francigena
The necropolis of Dometaia has been the object of research and study since the late 19th century, when the Marquis Bonaventura Chigi Zondadari began digging in the area and found an important sepulchre from northern, inland Etruria and was used from the mid-6th century BC to the 1st century AD. After the creation of the park, some 40 tombs of varying nature were dig up: hypogeum tombs made of more orthogonal rooms with respect to the vestibule and a range of simple tombs, including different kinds of "trench graves" for the common people. The most important hypogeum family tombs of the area were important and considered prosperous because they were placed on fertile soil and in a prime position along major roads, this necropolis is located along an important ancient road, which likely coincided with the Via Francigena. The “Ranuccio Bianchi Bandinelli” Archeological Museum, located in the medieval Palazzo Pretorio, in the historic centre of Colle di Val d’Elsa, gathers material of Etruscan and Roman origin from the Valdelsa area, which was very populated and trafficked in ancient times. The vase that we show here was decorated with the technique of the red figures and is a product of the workshop of Pittore di Milano, who worked in Volterra in the late 4th century BC. He was often commissioned to work during symposiums; a fact that can be confirmed by the Dionysus-like motifs on the vase, which show an entourage of Satyrs and maenads. The object, which was found in the room of a tomb in the Dometaia necropolis, is one of the most noteworthy pieces in the ancient burial ground due to its excellent condition and the richness of its decorations. Together with other elements of the tomb and the materials used in the tombs, it is important to note how the Valdese area, and more specifically this zone of the area, was scattered with important transit roads, already in the Etruscan age. The roads were then re-paved and re-used in subsequent eras, and today they represent the "Sigeric" section of the Via Francigena.
HOSPITLITY FOR PILGRIMS
- San Gimignano: Convent of St. Augustine, St. Augustine P.za, 10 - Tel 907 012 0577 - sangimignanoconvento@gmail.com - 6 beds, blankets, 4 bathrooms and showers, located on the ground, warn, arrive hours 15 to 19 - Room for pilgrims - open for 12 months - Only Pilgrims with Credentials - sleeping bag required- about 150 meters from the path fficiale (from Via Garibaldi bus stop)
- San Gimignano: Foresteria monastery of San Girolamo, at Porta San Giacomo, via Folgore, 20 - Tel / fax 0577 940573 - vallombrosane@virgilio.it - 32 seats - Breakfast included - at 270mt from the official route (Via 20 September)
- San Gimignano: Refreshments at Poggio Issi, Loc Settefonti Larniano - SP 69 of Cellole Km.4 - Tel 331 1090152 - info@poggioaissi.com - www.poggioaissi.com - 15 places for pilgrims with sleeping bag - 30 spots in the gazebo - Possible installation of 50 tents in the pinewood Property - Use of the bathroom with hot shower - 2.5 km from the Parish of Cellole, it is not on the official route
- Colle Val d'Elsa: Salesian Community St. Augustine, Piazza S. Augustine - Tel 0577 920195 - sdbcolle@tin.it - 10 spots
- Colle Val d'Elsa: St. Mary Parish to the Graces, Via Volterra, 55, loc.Le Thanks - Tel 0577 959 068 - gigicol64@libero.it - 12 beds and 30 spots on the floor - bathrooms and showers, kitchen, bedroom for pilgrims, open 12 months - 2.5 km from the official route (calculated from Campiglia of Foci)
- Colle Val d'Elsa: Parish S.Marziale, Via S.Marziale 1, loc. Gracciano d'Elsa - Tel 0577 928677 - parrocchiasanmarziale@valdelsa.net - kitchen - Only Pilgrims with Credentials. - Sleeping bag required - 700 meters from the official route (Via Pisacane)
- Monteriggioni: Vacation home Santa Maria Assunta, P.za Rome 23 - Tel 304 214 0577 - Cell 335 6651581/9009134 - dondoriano@interfree.it - casaferiesma@yahoo.it - 20 spots
- Monteriggioni: Parish of Christ the King, Christ the King P.za 1, loc. Castellina Scalo - Tel 0577 304214 - 335 6651581 Cell (Don Doriano) - Sleeps 6 - distance 3.8 km from Monteriggioni - Reservations required - Only Pilgrims with Credentials - sleeping bag required - 1.6 km from the official route (Via Cassia North loc. Column)
- Monteriggioni: Parish of St. Michael in Recine, 3 km from Monteriggioni - Tel 304 214 0577 - Cell 335 6651581 (Don Doriano) - 40 spots
- Monteriggioni: The refuge in Strove, by G. Matteotti, loc. Strove - Reservations at tel. +39 0577 301002, +39 0577 300000 - 6 bunk beds for a total of 12 spots - there are 12 lockers, a small kitchen consisting of two electric burners, a fridge, a sink - TV - a PC workstation equipped with ADSL internet key - two bathrooms - one washer dryer - large shady garden - Contact information: Tourist Office of Monteriggioni, tel +39 0577 304834, info@monteriggioniturismo.it, www.monteriggioniturismo.it
A path leads upward to the Romanesque church of Santa Maria a Coneo. Then you cross the bridge on the hilltop to reach the Romanesque church of San Martino di Strove. Then you go to the Abbey of Island, before catching a sight of Monteriggioni, with its unmistakable ring of walls and towers that dominate the surrounding hills.
Water supplies and dining is available only in towns.
CLIKC HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE MAP
Total length (km): 29.8
Type of Travel: On foot, by mountain bike
Travel time on foot (h: min): 7.30
Difference in height (m): 513
Descent (m): 563
Maximum height (m): 320
Difficulty: Challenging
Paved roads: 19%
Dirt roads and driveways: 70%
Mule tracks and trails: 12%
Cycling: 96%
Getting to the starting point: FS Empoli-Siena Railway Line, Poggibonsi station; bus line 133 for S. Gimignano
WHAT TO SEE
San Gimignano - The area of Aiano-Torraccia Chiusi has been known since the beginning of the twentieth century. There is a Roman structure that has recently come to light: it is a Roman villa of the wealthy aristocracy that was in use between the fourth and sixth centuries AD, and until the second half of the seventh century. A.D. The importance of the structure is proof of a strong and prestigious presence of Romans from Late Antiquity. It is also important for its position along the Foci river, an area long ago identified as the possible area identified by Sigeric in his journey from Rome to Canterbury (Sce Martin Fosse). Get there with the road from San Gimignano to Poggibonsi, just before the intersection with Colle Val d'Elsa, in the direction of Monti-Torraccia Chiusi; follow the dirt road and continue to walk to the archaeological area (about 2000 m.).
Poggibonsi - Its origins are ancient, and ruins have been foudn that can be traced back to Late Roman times, as well as Lombard and Carolingian times. In early Middle Ages, the presence of Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo in Poggio Marturi led to the growth of the village of Marturi. In Poggibonsi, it is worth visiting the Archaeological Park and the Fortress of Poggio Imperiale, created and designed by Giuliano da Sangallo on a commission of Lorenzo de' Medici.
Colle Val d’Elsa - Dometaia Archeological Park - Etruscan traces along the Via Francigena
The necropolis of Dometaia has been the object of research and study since the late 19th century, when the Marquis Bonaventura Chigi Zondadari began digging in the area and found an important sepulchre from northern, inland Etruria and was used from the mid-6th century BC to the 1st century AD. After the creation of the park, some 40 tombs of varying nature were dig up: hypogeum tombs made of more orthogonal rooms with respect to the vestibule and a range of simple tombs, including different kinds of "trench graves" for the common people. The most important hypogeum family tombs of the area were important and considered prosperous because they were placed on fertile soil and in a prime position along major roads, this necropolis is located along an important ancient road, which likely coincided with the Via Francigena. The “Ranuccio Bianchi Bandinelli” Archeological Museum, located in the medieval Palazzo Pretorio, in the historic centre of Colle di Val d’Elsa, gathers material of Etruscan and Roman origin from the Valdelsa area, which was very populated and trafficked in ancient times. The vase that we show here was decorated with the technique of the red figures and is a product of the workshop of Pittore di Milano, who worked in Volterra in the late 4th century BC. He was often commissioned to work during symposiums; a fact that can be confirmed by the Dionysus-like motifs on the vase, which show an entourage of Satyrs and maenads. The object, which was found in the room of a tomb in the Dometaia necropolis, is one of the most noteworthy pieces in the ancient burial ground due to its excellent condition and the richness of its decorations. Together with other elements of the tomb and the materials used in the tombs, it is important to note how the Valdese area, and more specifically this zone of the area, was scattered with important transit roads, already in the Etruscan age. The roads were then re-paved and re-used in subsequent eras, and today they represent the "Sigeric" section of the Via Francigena.
HOSPITLITY FOR PILGRIMS
- San Gimignano: Convent of St. Augustine, St. Augustine P.za, 10 - Tel 907 012 0577 - sangimignanoconvento@gmail.com - 6 beds, blankets, 4 bathrooms and showers, located on the ground, warn, arrive hours 15 to 19 - Room for pilgrims - open for 12 months - Only Pilgrims with Credentials - sleeping bag required- about 150 meters from the path fficiale (from Via Garibaldi bus stop)
- San Gimignano: Foresteria monastery of San Girolamo, at Porta San Giacomo, via Folgore, 20 - Tel / fax 0577 940573 - vallombrosane@virgilio.it - 32 seats - Breakfast included - at 270mt from the official route (Via 20 September)
- San Gimignano: Refreshments at Poggio Issi, Loc Settefonti Larniano - SP 69 of Cellole Km.4 - Tel 331 1090152 - info@poggioaissi.com - www.poggioaissi.com - 15 places for pilgrims with sleeping bag - 30 spots in the gazebo - Possible installation of 50 tents in the pinewood Property - Use of the bathroom with hot shower - 2.5 km from the Parish of Cellole, it is not on the official route
- Colle Val d'Elsa: Salesian Community St. Augustine, Piazza S. Augustine - Tel 0577 920195 - sdbcolle@tin.it - 10 spots
- Colle Val d'Elsa: St. Mary Parish to the Graces, Via Volterra, 55, loc.Le Thanks - Tel 0577 959 068 - gigicol64@libero.it - 12 beds and 30 spots on the floor - bathrooms and showers, kitchen, bedroom for pilgrims, open 12 months - 2.5 km from the official route (calculated from Campiglia of Foci)
- Colle Val d'Elsa: Parish S.Marziale, Via S.Marziale 1, loc. Gracciano d'Elsa - Tel 0577 928677 - parrocchiasanmarziale@valdelsa.net - kitchen - Only Pilgrims with Credentials. - Sleeping bag required - 700 meters from the official route (Via Pisacane)
- Monteriggioni: Vacation home Santa Maria Assunta, P.za Rome 23 - Tel 304 214 0577 - Cell 335 6651581/9009134 - dondoriano@interfree.it - casaferiesma@yahoo.it - 20 spots
- Monteriggioni: Parish of Christ the King, Christ the King P.za 1, loc. Castellina Scalo - Tel 0577 304214 - 335 6651581 Cell (Don Doriano) - Sleeps 6 - distance 3.8 km from Monteriggioni - Reservations required - Only Pilgrims with Credentials - sleeping bag required - 1.6 km from the official route (Via Cassia North loc. Column)
- Monteriggioni: Parish of St. Michael in Recine, 3 km from Monteriggioni - Tel 304 214 0577 - Cell 335 6651581 (Don Doriano) - 40 spots
- Monteriggioni: The refuge in Strove, by G. Matteotti, loc. Strove - Reservations at tel. +39 0577 301002, +39 0577 300000 - 6 bunk beds for a total of 12 spots - there are 12 lockers, a small kitchen consisting of two electric burners, a fridge, a sink - TV - a PC workstation equipped with ADSL internet key - two bathrooms - one washer dryer - large shady garden - Contact information: Tourist Office of Monteriggioni, tel +39 0577 304834, info@monteriggioniturismo.it, www.monteriggioniturismo.it
