Radicondoli, a medieval village of the colline metallifere
Radicondoli is a characteristic village located about 40 kilometres west to Siena in an area between the Val d’Elsa and the colline metallifere (the “Metal-bearing Hills”). Ancient castle of the Aldobrandeschi, the village has still some parts of the medieval fortifications. Medieval is also the urban plan made of narrow streets enclosed by defensive walls.
Radicondoli has always had a certain strategic importance and that is why it was long disputed by the Republic of Siena who managed to take it during in the late Middle Ages.
Things to do in Radicondoli
Among the most interesting evidence of the past of this village, there are the ancient walls of which there are still large tracts that overall have been preserved quite well. The only city gate remaining is the beautiful Porta Olla, located along the southern side of the walls and characterized by an arch surmounted by a structure with corbels.
Collegiata dei Santi Simone e Giuda
The main church of this hamlet is the Collegiata dei Santi Simone e Giuda located in piazza Matteotti. Built during the 16th century, the collegiate church preserves some works as the Nativity of Jesus by Alessandro Casolani and an altrapiece representing the Nativity and the Assumption by Pietro di Domenico. Just behind the church you can find one of the most central car parks.
Pieve di San Giovanni Battista
The Pieve di San Giovanni Battista (or Pieve Vecchia) is outside the village near the cemetery. Documented since the second half of the 12th century, the parish church has retained its Romanesque plan although it was remodeled during the 14th century when, among other things, its nave was lengthened.
Along the main street there are some interesting buildings as the Monastero di Santa Caterina delle Ruote and the sixteenth-century palazzo Comunale (the Town Hall also known as palazzo Berlinghieri).
Museum “Le Energie del territorio”
The area around Radicondoli is distinguished by the presence of various sources of geothermal energy. The exploitation of this type of clean energy has become one of the strengths of the municipalities of the area and the Museum “Le Energie del territorio” treats the topics related to this type of energy production. In addition to the Museum you can visit on request some of the geothermal plants present in the municipality.
Address: via Gazzei 2
Opening hours:
April – 15 October: every day (closed on tuesday) 10.00–13.00 and 15.00–18.00
16 October – March: monday, wednesday and thursday 10.00–12.00; friday and sunday 10.00–13.00 and 15.00–17.00; saturday 10.00-12.00 and 15.00-17.00; closed on tuesday
Tickets: regular 2 euro; reduced 1 euro
What to see near Radicondoli
In the immediate vicinity of Radicondoli is worth visiting the small medieval town of Belforte with its Palazzo Pubblico and the interesting Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta. Crossing the val d’Elsa you may consider to visit also Casole d’Elsa, Colle di Val d’Elsa, San Gimignano, Certaldo and San Miniato.
How to get to Radicondoli
By bus: from Siena Line 130 till Colle di Val D’Elsa, from there line 120 till Radicondoli (Siena Mobilità).
By car:
From north: highway A1 till Florence, then Raccordo Autostradale Firenze – Siena till the exit Colle Val d’Elsa Sud then continue for Colle Val d’Elsa/Casole d’Elsa and take SP541. In the end turn on Strada Provinciale delle Galleraie in direction of Radicondoli.
From south: highway A1 till the exit Valdichiana and continue for Siena, continue on Raccordo Autostradale Firenze – Siena till Colle Val D’Elsa Sud and in the end go on SP 541 till Radicondoli.
