Discover Capanne: Village History, Church Art and Mountains

Capanne between Village History and Landscape

Capanne is a modest rural village and was formerly known as Capanne di Saturni. The village was established in the 15th century at the behest of the Republic of Siena as a modest agricultural center. Its founding as an agricultural center and its former name, Capanne di Saturni, are part of the village’s history.

The building to the left of Capanne’s parish church is traditionally identified as a prison where people prosecuted by the jurisdiction of Saturnia were held. A building arranged in an L shape beside the church of Capanne preserves a small triangular plaque bearing the year 1500 on its façade. Casa Luciani in Capanne also bears the year 1500 as its date of foundation.

Church Art and Local Traditions

The Church of the Visitation of Mary in Capanne is dated to 1570, based on the date on the entrance portal. Casa Luciani houses a fresco depicting the Madonna and Child with saints. A wooden crucifix in Capanne is associated with local legends and traditions. Casa Luciani and the building beside the parish church each preserve a specific connection to the year 1500.

Another artistic reference can be found in Poggio Capanne: its Church of the Visitation of Mary houses a 19th-century painting. It depicts the enthroned Madonna and Child between Saint Anthony Abbot and Saint Joseph. There is also a reduced 17th-century copy of Federico Barocci’s 1586 altarpiece of the Visitation from the Chiesa Nuova in Rome. The two churches bear the name of the Visitation of Mary; one stands in Capanne, the other in Poggio Capanne.

Archaeological Traces in the Surrounding Area

Several caves carved into the rock have been identified near Poggio Capanne. Their appearance and characteristics resemble those of the necropolises associated with the Rinaldone culture. A copper axe from the necropolis near Poggio Capanne is dated to the first phase of the Early Bronze Age. At Poggio Capanne, the archaeological traces range from the caves to the copper axe from the necropolis.

In the wider regional surroundings of Capanne lies Vitozza, which is considered an ancient site. Castello di Cotone and San Bruzio are considered ruins. The Giardino dei Tarocchi, which is considered a museum, is also located in the wider regional surroundings.

For travel planning, this distinguishes the village center from the further regional destinations: Capanne itself brings together village history, churches and Casa Luciani, while Poggio Capanne adds artworks and archaeological traces.

Mountains Around Capanne

Monte Cavallo, Monte Nero, Monte Tellere and Monte Rosso are mountains in the area around Capanne.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

To compare additional destinations, you can also include Marsiliana, Montemerano, Poggio Murella and Saturnia.

For the overview of the wider area: Manciano.