Ponte a Tressa: History, Churches and Trails

Sant’Angelo a Tressa developed as a hamlet on the Via Francigena at the foot of a small castellare belonging to the noble Salvani family. This is where the history of the pilgrimage route, medieval architectural heritage and the landscapes along the Tressa and Arbia rivers come together.

Hospitals and Churches on the Via Francigena

The Spedale of Tressa was founded in 1219 by Ugolino Quintavalle. It stood beside a small church originally dedicated to Santa Maria, which bore the name S. Maria al Ponte. In the 13th century, the Tressa hospital was one of the eight hospitals counted between Ponte a Tressa and Ponte d’Arbia. Historically, an Ospitale stood in the parish church’s pulpit, where pilgrims travelling to Rome were welcomed.

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is documented in a papal bull dated 20 April 1189. In 1422, it was rebuilt at the expense of the city of Siena on the Roman post road at the confluence of the Tressa and Arbia rivers. It houses important works of art by Francesco Vanni, Rustici, Petrazzi, Annibale Mazzuoli, Rutilio, Volpi and Beccafumi.

Further Historical Traces

The history of Ponte a Tressa reaches far back beyond its churches. Etruscan finds have been documented near Tressa. Over the centuries, Ponte a Tressa had at least two mills. One mill documented in contracts was located in Pontegrosso, probably near the bridge over the Tressa and the present-day church at the beginning of the Borgo, likely farther east towards Arbia. The history of the settlement therefore remains closely connected with waterways, bridges and former transport routes.

Hiking and Cycling

The Via Francigena stage can be divided at Ponte a Tressa. The route follows Sentiero delle Crete No. 502 to the junction with Sentiero 500, which comes from nearby Isola d’Arbia, and then continues towards Ponte a Tressa.

For cycling, the Il Granaio di Siena circular cycle route passes close to Ponte a Tressa and then continues along a gravel track to Grancia di Cuna. The route from Ponte a Tressa towards Grancia di Cuna follows a macadam track through flat or gently rolling terrain at the foot of gentle hills.

Events and Regional Traditions

The Mostra Nazionale Canina (CAC) is organised annually by the Gruppo Cinofilo Senese and has been held at the Centro Sportivo di Ponte a Tressa since 2002. In Monteroni d’Arbia, events celebrating the good food and age-old traditions of the Terre di Siena are held over two weekends.

For further orientation, you can also discover Vagliagli, Trequanda, Badesse, Isola D'arbia, Presciano, Monteriggioni, San Giovanni D'asso and Piancastagnaio.

To the main travel overview: Siena.