Podere Sant'Alessandro
The Podere Sant’Alessandro offers many services that will allow you to spend your holiday in peace and relaxation!
First of all The Freshwater Pool, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, is made available to enjoy the spectacular panorama offered by its dominant position!
The garden surrounding the entire structure is also equipped with gazebo, barbecue and swing, located directly on the lawn in a panoramic position.
Among the numerous activities that the territory offers we recommend to visit the nearby Terme di Rapolano and the Wellness Centers with which we are associated.
For those staying at our facility there are special rates for the thermal swimming pools and discounts of 10% throughout the year on the price list of all the wellness and beauty treatments of the Wellness Center Antica Querciolaia (www.termeaq.it).
The central position of Podere Sant’Alessandro also allows you to follow the numerous Eno-gastronomic itineraries that start directly from the Podere.
We will take care to guide you on the most suggestive and recommend the best restaurants.
We can arrange, at your request, also:
• Personalized gourmet tours
• Guided tours
• Cooking courses
• Wine and oil tasting courses
Nature and sport enthusiasts have the opportunity to try out the numerous sports activities that the territory offers:
• Horseback riding and horseback riding
• Bicycle routes
• Trekking
• Bird watching
• Golf
• Polo
• Go-cart circuit
• Hot Air Balloon Tours
Asciano 6Km
From Assisi there is the historic Lauretana to Siena, where you can admire the Crete Senesi, Rapolano Street and the beautiful white road of Monte Sante Marie.
It is also the ideal base to reach the Abbey of Monteoliveto Maggiore (XIV sec), the most important monastic complex of Siena founded by Bernardo Tolomei. In the center of the Sienese Crete, Monte Oliveto Maggiore has the appearance of the great Benedictine Abbeys. The place, by its lonely and wild nature, is a wonderful example of artistic and spiritual beauty. In the Great Cloister are celebrated by the Signorelli and Sodoma the glories of St. Benedict.
Rapolano Terme and its history
It is in the land of the crete (clay soils), beyond the southern border with Chianti, thirty kilometres from Siena, where the town of Rapolano Terme lies, amidst woods, hills and the valley of the river Ombrone. Here and there the profile of old hamlets and farmhouses to bear witness to a farming culture that is still quite alive. This charming landscape, where the hand of man has not broken the spell of purity and unpolluted nature, captures the attention of the visitor, even from a historic, artistic and cultural point of view. All the territory of Rapolano is filled with artefacts from the Etruscan and Roman eras, such as the archaeological settlement of Campo Muri. Under Roman rule agricolture prospered, and when the Franks arrived Rapolano became the feud of the Cacciaconti famuly, along with San Gimignanello and Serre. In the 12° century, after the birth of the Communes, it becane dominated by the City of Siena. The entire territory was improved and Rapolano became a prominent town with its famous hot springs. Piazza del Castellare was without a doubt the first nucleus of the castle. The 14° century Porta dei Tintori was the only access to the fortified village. At the foot of the medieval village stood, and still stands, the
San Vittore Parish of early Christian origin. The building has Romanesque features, a nave and two aisles and a semicircular apse. From Rapolano subsoil are the hot springs. The use of this water dates backto Roman times. The chemical composition of the water is characterised by the combination of sulphur, carbon and calcium. Today there are two spas in operation: L’Antica Querciolaia and Le Terme San Giovanni.It is especially good for healing various forms of rheumatism.
Located at 322 mt. On the sea level in the heart of Tuscany, this city built on the hills, mantine intact the characteristic medieval appearance, with narrow alleys and noble palaces each rich in history. Events: Palio of Contrade (2 July and 16 August), Feast of St. Catherine (April 29), Musical Week in Siena (September).
MUSICAL AND GASTRONOMIC FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
Palio on July 2 and Palio on 16 August.
San Gimignano (324 m.) is one of the towns that really influences the image that a lot of people have of Tuscany. The town is dominated by towers and in many ways looks exactly as many Tuscan towns did in the Middle Ages. Whilst elsewhere most residential towers disappeared over the centuries, here 14 of the 72 that used to adorn the town have been preserved. These have ensured that the town’s medieval appearance has been carefully preserved
Arezzo is lying on the Tuscan hills at the foot of the Tosco-Emiliano appennine. Several factors have contributed to make Arezzo a city where it is “beautiful to live”: the reception of the medieval city, the natural beauties of the four valleys surrounding it (Casentino, Valtiberina, Valdichiana and Valdarno). Here is the annual Giostra del Saracino, a medieval tournament in which the historic districts of the city are confronted. On the first Sunday of each month, Palazzo delle Logge becomes the protagonist for the event of the ANTIQUARING FAIR.
It was one of the 12 cities of the Etruscan confederation, and its primitive cyclope walls can still be observed today impressive traces just altered by medieval walls. Apart from a few beautiful Renaissance palaces, the prevalent character of the Cortona buildings is medieval and contributes to giving the narrow and clear roads a very impressive appearance. Given the high position (600 m. S. M.) From every point of Cortona you enjoy a wonderful view that embraces all the Val di Chiana.
In one of the most intact areas of the province of Siena lies the medieval village of Trequanda. The town developed around a castle of 1200, of which today stands the imposing cylindrical tower merlata. Trequanda is lying on top of a hill, immersed in a natural environment made of woods and ordered cultivations of vineyards and olive trees. Important for quality and quantity is the production of oil, wine, honey, cheeses and salami. Very important for quality and quantity is the production of oil, wine, honey, cheese and salami.
Montalcino (m.564) is situated on the top of a hill dominating the valleys of the Orcia, dell’Arbia and the Umbrella. In the city you can admire – besides the beautiful views – numerous medieval buildings and touring the famous Brunello wineries. Legendary history for the splendid Abbey of Sant’Antimo located in the municipality of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, not far from Montalcino, in the heart of the Starcia valley. It is said that in the year 781 d.C. Charlemagne, along with his followers and relics of the SS. Antimo and Sebastiano, were surprised by a plague epidemic when returning from a papal visit as they traveled from Via Francigena. In sleep, an angel appeared in a dream to the Emperor, who told him to gather herbs to make her a healer infusion for her soldiers. The pilgrims’ sensations then resurfaced in the religious tourism of today, who, assisting the functions, may also appreciate the particularity of Gregorian chant by the monks and the evocative procession with torches in honor of Sant’Antimo of the 11th of May.
Of Etruscan origin, it gained importance thanks to the nearby Via Franchigena. The hamlet of Bagno Vignoni was known since the Roman times for its beneficial waters rising to temperatures over 50 ° C and is recovered in the “vascone”, located in the center of the village, giving it a very impressive appearance. In S. Caterina da Siena is dedicated a small sanctuary located in the porch beside the tub. The castle of Vignoni overlooks the town and can be reached from San Quirico, from Bagno Vignoni, a naturalistic trail that can be walked on.
The whole village is a small jewel to be seen, but in particular it is necessary to dwell in the Duomo, which collects works by Giovanni di Paolo, Matthew of Giovanni del Vecchietta, of Sano di Pietro; There is also a marble altar attributed to Rossellino, the architect who had Pope Pius II commissioned to redesign the city. In the valley of the village is the enchanting landscape of the “Natural and Cultural Artistic Park of the Val d’Orcia”, with hills, corrugated fields and famous Cretaceous balts.
The beautiful town, which for its artistic and architectural heritage has been called the “Perla del ‘500”, preserves intact its beauty. Going up to the steep villages, the visitor will discover beautiful palaces and churches where the architects of the Renaissance transfused their unparalleled art. In the valley below the village, in an unforgettable panorama, stands the elegant hill of the San Biagio Temple. Montepulciano is also a center of lively cultural activity: among the most famous events the “International Art Gallery” and the popular representation of “Bruscello”.
“The Way of the Etruscans”
Molinello Tomb – Necropolis of Poggio Pinci – Archaeological Museum
Departure from the gardens of Asciano. Transfer to Molinello.
Visit of Molinello Etruscan tombs and excursion departure.
Transit for Poggio Pinci.
Visit of the necropolis of Poggio Pinci.
Continue hiking through the crests of the Asciano countryside to the historic center of Asciano.
A visit to the archaeological section of the Casa Corboli Museum.
Overall length: 8 km. ca.
Difficulty: Easy
Expected time: 3 hours 30 min. ca
Price € 10.00 per person
Euro 5.00 for children up to 12 years
Children up to 6 years free
Magical Crete
Starting point and arrival: Asciano
Length: 30 km
Difference in altitude: 440 meters
Duration: 3 hours by bike
Type of road: 13 km asphalt, 17 km dirt road
Notes: It is very challenging for those who ride the first stretch of the dirt road to Monte Sante Marie. Improbable by car, with difficulty in bike, in case of rain the stretch Torre in Castello-Mucigliani.
From the center of Asciano you exit the cemetery (1 km) that you reach past the “Garbo” bridge over the Ombrone River. Once at the cemetery you turn right onto the beautiful dirt track which, with high climbs, reaches the village of Monte Sante Marie (farm) in 6.4 km. From here you continue with lighter ups until you reach Torre di Castello (5.3 km) where you end the asphalt and turn left in front of La Fonte dairy (you sell good sheep’s cheese). Then, 8 of “Torre a Castello” downhill for 1.1 km to the dirt road that leaves to our left near a dump (ahimé): the track is marked with white and red paint and is identified with the number 501 “Tower to Castello- Mucigliani “(the street passes near a cottage). After exactly 1.5 km, in front of a fence with a net, the road turns off: turn left following the white and red signal. After 2.8 km, past the farm Faule, you reach, with final climb, the farm of Mucigliani. Still 1 km of dirt road and we are again on the asphalt of S.S. 438 “Lauretana” where you turn left towards Asciano (10 km) passing through Vescona and Pievina.
Starting point and arrival: Asciano
Length: 27 km
Difference in altitude: 430 meters
Duration: 3 hours by bike
Type of road: 4.6 km of dirt road, 22.4 km of asphalt
Notes: The central trajectory of the itinerary (dirt road) is devoid of signage and it is essential to follow it with map 1: 100,000 and / or following the description carefully. The final part of the itinerary (Chiusure-Asciano) presents two alternatives from the same mileage but the second one is less demanding.
From Asciano station exit on the left, taking the S.S. 438 “Lauretana” uphill that crosses the level passage. After 800 m there is an intersection where you continue straight; You reach the other two level crossings, reach the area of the travertine quarries (2.8 km) and another intersection (400 m) where you continue straight to the sign of Poggio Pinci (500 m on the right) where you turn on Dirt road that starts on the right. You cross the ancient farm of Poggio Pinci and continue on the uphill dirt road (900 m) to Montalceto, a large farmhouse in a panoramic position; It continues to some farmhouses and shortly after the road folds decisively to the right following a panoramic ridge overlooking the right on the crete, to the left on the castle of Gallico. Exactly after 1.1 km from Montalceto the road turns off: you go left, first downhill and then uphill (steep but short) to a T intersection where you turn right continuing for 1.3 km to another T intersection Where you bend to the left, entering on a suggestive ridge and climbing up a block of houses where the short descent begins to the asphalt road at a hairpin (from this point see “possible variant”): here you bend right to Another intersection to T (200 m) where you go left towards Chiusure (5.5 km), a fascinating village overlooking the crete and the most spectacular hills. Absolutely not to miss a walk on the winding and steep dirt that, starting from the end of via Porta Senese, “flying” on the calanchi comes in loc. The Caldesi at the farmhouse of Adele Stefanelli, a very good ceramic; From here you can continue on a path up to the Abbey of Monteoliveto Maggiore. To return to Asciano there are two possibilities: 1) from Monteoliveto Maggiore with a road at first high uphill and then downhill (9km); 2) Turn on the same road until the junction Trequanda-Asciano (5.5 km) and continue downhill to the starting point (5.5 km): 2.5 km downhill, 1 km uphill, 2 km in falsopiano.
At the end of the dirt road, turn left downhill to Trequanda’s dismantled station, continuing to the village of Trequanda: the road rises constantly (after 2 km you can drift towards the farm Belsedere) with a steep final climb of 1 km. From Trequanda, continue uphill, then downhill, until Asciano passing through Casabianca on the S.S. 438 “Lauretana”. In this way the itinerary measures 36 km and 535 m of altitude difference.
Starting point and arrival: Rapolano Terme (Terme dell’antica Querciolaia)
Length: 36 km
Difference in altitude: 840 meters
Duration: 3 hours on bike
Type of road: 26 km of asphalt, 10 km dirt road (good bottom)
Notes: the most demanding ascent trails are the short tug towards Serre di Rapolano, the winding towards San Gemignanello and the climb to Rigomagno.
From the Ancient Querciolaia Spas turn left towards Rapolano Terme. After passing the village, turn right towards Serre di Rapolano-Montisi, taking the s. 26 “Asciano-Rapolano”: you pass under the railroad bridge and climb to the ridge. After about 2 km turn left towards Serre di Rapolano. Before reaching the historical center with a steep tear at 13 per cent turn right following the indications for the church of Sant’Andreino on the s.p. 64 “of the Serra di Rapolano” which passes through the travertine quarries well visible to our right, right near the Romanesque church of Sant’Andreino (600 m from the crossing). Just a few hundred meters later you will pass near the house of the conceptual artist Vettor Pisani (on the right) overlooking the quarries; One hundred yards later, on the left, there is the good ornatural laboratory Dario Ruffini. It gradually descends to an intersection (500 m) where you bend to the left to continue along the road of the quarries. After 1.9 km turn to T where turn left towards Sinalunga. After the loc. Poggio Pinci climbs slightly on the S.S. 438 “Lauretana”, set in a wooded landscape with vineyards and olive groves, typical of the Chiantigian area. Continuing on the “Lauretana” you can reach the village of San Gemignanello (150 m) and steeply reach the intersection with the “Siena-Bettolle” artery that crosses orthogonally taking the narrow road that reaches Rigomagno Station (5.3 km), where you continue to Rigomagno (2 km of challenging climb) and continue on dirt road towards “Il Calcione” (the road starts from the cemetery). The first stretch stretches between oaks, olive trees, brooms and typical country houses up to a crossroads in loc. Santa Lucia where you take right on a clear descent (1.4 km) to the asphalt: turn left and after 150 m, near an old mill, left again on the dirt road in the direction of Rapolano. After 1.2 km it is clear from the spot in front of the vineyards and the castle of Modanella. The white road continues downhill to a bifurcation where you go downhill on the right between the vineyards. After 3.5 km possible deviation to the right towards Poggio Santa Cecilia; 700 m afterwards you will walk along the monumental entrance of Villa Buoninsegna. The asphalt ends and continues for Rapolano Terme passing through the “Siena-Bettolle” to the nearby thermal baths of Ancient Querciolaia.
