| RAPOLANO TERME The central point of the village of Rapolano revolves around a square, where a statue in travertine stone takes pride of place. The square is flanked by two churches, the first is the Chiesa della Confraternita and the second is the church dedicated to Corpus Domini, housing superb paintings by Ventura Salimbeni. The nearby square of Piazza del Castellare is the ancient heart of the village, where the small Romanesque church dedicated to San Bartolomeo can be found. Once in the central square, head westwards to the recently restored church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and further on to the Porta dei Tintori, where a breathtaking view over the Ombrone valley can be seen. This is where the massive and masterful Pieve di San Vittore can be visited, being a perfect example of 11th century Romanesque art. Back in the central square, through Porta Nuova, head eastwards towards the village modern centre, where all the municipality's most important public buildings are located. SERRE DI RAPOLANO The tour of Serre begins at the village's most highest point of piazza XX Settembre, where the Castle with its powerful stone walls, which today is no more than a hanging garden, and the church of San Lorenzo can be found. The single nave church houses works of art such as the busts of San Cristoforo and San Lorenzo by the famous artist Jacopo della Quercia. From here through the characteristic archway and across via Salaia, is piazzetta Pulceto, where a beautiful well can be seen together with numerous coats of arms from aristocratic families. Head towards via della Torre and onto the square where the church dedicated to Santa Caterina can be visited. In this square can also be found the granaione della Grancia a 13th century farm complex which has been converted into museum spaces. Towards the heart of the village to the main central square which is dominated by the 15th century chapel with frescoes by the Sienese workshop. Arched lanes and characteristic niches make up the rest of the village. LUCIGNANO Lucignano represents one of the more astounding examples of medieval town planning, with its elliptical plan composed of concentric ring-like streets. The entrance to the City Museum is in the lobby of the City Hall. Here you will find works of art by artists such as Signorelli, Bartolo di Fredi, and L. Ademollo. The church of San Francesco is situated on the left hand side of the Town Hall and this houses several 14th and 15th century frescoes. The nearby church of the Ss Annunziata contains two glazed ceramic statues from the Robbia school. The Collegiate church of San Michele Arcangelo has two interesting features by the architect Andrea Pozzo: the high altar and the steps. Two other buildings stand out in Monte San Savino which are the Renaissance Town Hall (Palazzo de Monte) which was built with ashlar-stone, and houses a gallery with works done by citizens of Monte San Savino. The Merchants Arcade (Loggia dei Mercanti) was built in the 12th century and is opposite the Palace. Other buildings include the Magisterial Palace (Palazzo Pretorio) and the Church of Sant'Agostino. |