Iano: Between Travertine, Forest and History

Stone, Forest and Many Layers of History

At the center of Iano stands the Chiesa di Sant’Andrea in Alliano, first mentioned in 1004. The hills surrounding the village date from the Pliocene, approximately 8 million years ago. Near Iano, thermal water reaches the surface at a spring and deposits travertine-bearing fossils. The area around Iano also contains numerous fossil and mineral remains.

The archaeological traces include an Etruscan gravestone found near Iano, depicting a warrior and dating from the 5th century BC. Remains of the Castello di Camporena have been preserved in the village.

Following an agricultural crisis, Iano became known in the post-war period for the extraction of travertine, serpentine, onyx and mercury. In the travertine beds around Iano, fissures expose veins of a variety of calc-alabaster commonly known as onyx alabaster.

The Hill at Pietrina

The hill between Iano and Palagio, crowned by the Santuario della Pietrina, is considered one of three islands in Tuscany formed during the Carboniferous period. From the Santuario della Pietrina, there are far-reaching views across the Valdera and its gentle hills as far as Volterra.

Trails to Pietrina and Through the Selva di Camporena

You can reach Iano from Montaione via the road 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 trail leads through dense vegetation to the Falesia Masso del Becco. The cliff near Iano faces southwest. The trail to the Santuario della Pietrina passes through the holm oaks and pines of the Selva di Camporena, which lies near Iano between Valdelsa and Valdera.

Iano is also connected to Pian delle Querce by a hiking trail that is accessible on foot all year round. Before the ascent to Pian delle Querce, a detour leads to a rare natural population of yew trees.

Local Life Between December and September

Since 2009, the Presepi nel Borgo tradition has brought Iano to life from December 8 onwards with a nativity scene route through the village. The exhibition stretches for approximately one kilometer through the lanes of Iano to the scattered houses.

A solemn procession takes place in the immediate vicinity of the Santuario della Pietrina on the last Sunday in September.

Both events take place in December and September and are spread throughout the year.

For more destinations in the same area: Sughera, Zona Industriale Comiti, San Vivaldo, Alberi.

For the broader travel overview: Montaione.