Scrofiano: Medieval Traces and Paths of the Via Lauretana

Scrofiano is situated on a hill on the western side of the Val di Chiana Senese. The origins of the village are traced back to around the year 1000. Despite the almost complete disappearance of the town walls, the present-day village preserves fairly precise traces of its original medieval layout.

Medieval Traces in the Village

The Chiesa di San Biagio in Scrofiano was founded in 1295. Medieval iron coats of arms of Scrofiano and San Biagio can be seen on its façade. This building therefore combines a datable origin with visible signs of medieval history. Together with the preserved layout of the present-day village, this creates a townscape in which the past remains present not only through names, but also through concrete structures and details.

Historic Paths on Foot

The old medieval path to Scrofiano can only be travelled on foot or with small, suitable vehicles. From the Porta a Sole, an almost level footpath begins, leading through a small valley sheltered from noise to the old chapel of Madonna del Soccorso. These two paths differ clearly in their means of travel and their routes: one is directly connected with access to Scrofiano, while the other leads from a specific gate through a sheltered valley to a chapel.

Via Lauretana and Cultural Landscape

The section of the Via Lauretana through the Sinalunga area begins at Scrofiano and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. From Scrofiano, the Via Lauretana leads through oak forests, cultivated fields, vineyards and olive groves. Historical connections to routes are therefore just as much a part of the character of the place as a landscape in which woodland, agriculture and traditional cultivated areas stand side by side.

Views over the Valley and Old Connections

The Chiesa di Santa Cristina a Scrofiano occupies a commanding position above the Foenna Valley. From Santa Cristina, an old road leads from the plain towards the old Via Lauretana. Two different lines can therefore be identified for orientation in the surrounding area: the church above the valley and the road whose route points from the plain towards the old Via Lauretana.

Feast Day and Places of Interest in the Surrounding Area

The Festa di San Biagio is also known as the Festa della Mazza and takes place every year on 3 February. During the procession, traditionally dressed residents carry an octagonal salt-dough trophy topped by a dome with a statue of the saint. The ruins of Castello di Montelifrè and the Bosco della Ragnaia park are also located in the surrounding area. Thus, in Scrofiano and its surroundings, religious customs, medieval evidence and a park come together as different cultural points of reference.

Further Destinations in the Wider Region

The Museo della Civiltà Contadina di Fratticciola museum is located in the wider surrounding region. The Museo della Tortura di Montepulciano museum is also located in the wider surrounding region. The Castello di Montecchio Vesponi castle is likewise located in the wider surrounding region. The mountain Poggio del Sarto, the mountain Monte Castiglion Maggio and the mountain Poggio Napoleone are also located in the same wider surrounding region. These names expand the picture to include museums, a castle and several landscape landmarks, without losing sight of Scrofiano's historical core.

If, in addition to Scrofiano, you would like to discover another place, you can also visit Ancaiano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Siena.

Further Destinations

Further places under the same destination:

Castiglione D'orcia, Monticiano, Montepulciano, Scalvaia, Ponte A Tressa, Fonterutoli, Castelnuovo Berardenga.