Landscapes

Strada delle CAVE

RAPOLANO TERME


The abundance of travertine, together with the renowned hydrothermal springs, has contributed since ancient times to the fortune of the Rapolano area and has strongly influenced not only the architecture and the landscape, but also the economy, the social structure and its history .


This stone is therefore an essential component of Rapolano construction, applied in street furniture, flooring, vertical coverings, furnishings and objects; for many years Rapolano was also home to an important school of stonemasons.

The exploitation of the quarries dates back to the Etruscan-Roman period: think of the Molinello tumulus, founded on a circular-plan travertine base, dating back to the 7th century BC. and the necropolis of Poggio Pinci, from the 5th century BC.


However, the first documents attesting the procurement of building materials for some important "factories" of the time date back to the end of the sixteenth century, such as: the church of Santa Maria in Provenzano in Siena, San Biagio in Montepulciano and the Cathedral in Pienza .


Along the road that goes from the town of Serre towards Poggio Pinci, in addition to enjoying a surprising and evocative landscape made up of deep excavations and beautiful views of the Crete Senesi, you come across along the way, the small Romanesque parish church of Sant'Andreino alle Cave, hidden among cypresses and olive trees; sacred building totally made of local travertine.

The abundance of travertine, together with the renowned hydrothermal springs, has contributed since ancient times to the fortune of the Rapolano area and has strongly influenced not only the architecture and the landscape, but also the economy, the social structure and its history .


This stone is therefore an essential component of Rapolano construction, applied in street furniture, flooring, vertical coverings, furnishings and objects; for many years Rapolano was also home to an important school of stonemasons.

The exploitation of the quarries dates back to the Etruscan-Roman period: think of the Molinello tumulus, founded on a circular-plan travertine base, dating back to the 7th century BC. and the necropolis of Poggio Pinci, from the 5th century BC.


However, the first documents attesting the procurement of building materials for some important "factories" of the time date back to the end of the sixteenth century, such as: the church of Santa Maria in Provenzano in Siena, San Biagio in Montepulciano and the Cathedral in Pienza .


Along the road that goes from the town of Serre towards Poggio Pinci, in addition to enjoying a surprising and evocative landscape made up of deep excavations and beautiful views of the Crete Senesi, you come across along the way, the small Romanesque parish church of Sant'Andreino alle Cave, hidden among cypresses and olive trees; sacred building totally made of local travertine.



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