Sovicille Between Forests, History and Trails

Sovicille: Forest Landscapes and Medieval Traces

Sovicille combines a historically shaped townscape with largely forested surroundings. The historic center is enclosed by a 15th-century ring of walls and was home in the 12th century to a castle belonging to the Bishop of Siena. Among its notable buildings is the Pieve di San Giovanni Battista, better known as Pieve di Ponte allo Spino. It is considered one of the most interesting Romanesque buildings in the Sienese countryside.

The Alto Merse Nature Reserve covers a long stretch of the Merse River. Its forests include stands of holm oaks, sessile oaks and chestnut trees. The forest fauna is also distinctive: three woodpecker species occur in the reserve, namely the green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker and wryneck. Alongside Sovicille's history, this creates a landscape whose forest and river areas form a distinctive focus of their own.

Trails Through the Merse Landscape

The Museo Etnografico del Bosco offers five circular routes with a total length of 50 km; some of them incorporate contemporary art projects. After 5 km from Orgia, the Via dei 4 Borghi reaches the Alto Merse Nature Reserve. It then continues to Torri and ends at the medieval village with its cloister. For longer excursions, the Grand Tour della Val di Merse is approximately 173 km long. The different route lengths provide a clear basis for distinguishing short circular walks from extended tours.

Another historic landmark is the Ponte della Pia. The originally Romanesque bridge was rebuilt in the Middle Ages; its present appearance probably dates from work carried out around the 13th century. Despite the lack of railings, it can be crossed with caution. A forest path at the Ponte della Pia follows the remains of an ancient road formerly known as “Manliana”. Here, a specific structure, a historic route and a path through the forest meet directly.

Castles, Palaces and Garden Art

Palazzalbero is located near Sovicille and is a palace. Palazzo Celsi Pollini, also a palace, as well as Celsa and Castello di Montarrenti, both castles, are likewise located in the area around Sovicille. In the wider regional surroundings of Sovicille are the mountains Monte Vasone, Monte Maggio, Poggio Casalone and Poggio la Biffa. The Italian garden of Castello di Celsa was created in the 16th century. Boxwood hedges shaped like stars and a rake represent symbols from the coat of arms of the Aldobrandini family.

Palazzo al Piano reflects a different historical development. The only visible original element is the sloping base of a tower with several loopholes. In the 19th century, the owners, the Counts Chigi Saracini, almost completely converted the palace into a villa with a garden and an extensive park. The park has since disappeared.

The Eremo di San Salvatore a Lecceto

The Eremo di San Salvatore a Lecceto also adds a distinctive cultural dimension. The interior was remodeled in the Baroque style and preserves 14th-century frescoes. The monastic buildings are arranged around two cloisters: one is Gothic, while the other dates from the 15th century. From the 14th century onward, the Eremo became a spiritual center associated with the work of Saint Catherine of Siena.

Other Places in Sovicille

For further orientation, you can also explore Rosia, Stigliano and Carpineto.

For the overall travel overview: Siena.

More Destinations

More places under the same destination:

Gaiole In Chianti, Monteroni D'arbia, Isola D'arbia, Valiano, Chiusdino.