Rapolano Terme
In the Middle Ages the territory of Rapolano Terme was part of the properties of the Counts of the Scialenga who dominated over the main castle of the area.
Rapolano Terme history
In the Middle Ages the territory of Rapolano was part of the properties of the Counts of the Scialenga who dominated over the main castle of the area. Very soon( already in the last part of the XII century) the Scialenghi were obliged to recognized the sovereignty of Siena on their possessions. In the XIII century the subordination to the commune of Siena became total; the main castle, Rapolano, was declared “border castle” and made a podesta’s seat in 1265-1266. At that time the thermal waters of Rapolano were already famous and active in Roman period, as it is testified by the important archaeological findings in the area of Campo Muri, waters which gush out in different places around the village, creating hidromineral baths attended for the cure of numerous diseases. Because of its position at the border with Siena, the castle was attacked and taken several times and the Florentines, in the XIII century, devastated it three times: in 1208, 1233-1234 and in 1253.
Other destructions are of 1306, when the castle became a shelter for the Guelph soldiers; in the XV century, during the Aragonese wars, and in 1554, during the conflict which will lead to the fall of the Sienese Republic. Annexed to the Medicean Granduchy, Rapolano continued to be the administrative centre of the homonymous “podesteria” which included four communities(Rapolano Terme, Serre, Armaiolo and Poggio Santa Cecilia). With the Leopoldin reforms, the podesteria was turned into a community and, after the national reunification, into a commune. The village seems to have developed starting from a castle, then stretching out southwards, starting from a primitive castle on the top of the hill and which forms a block which faces Piazza del Castellare and it is surrounded by Via del Castellare.
In the middle of this central part there is until nowadays a broken-tower with a pointed arch-door and a depressed arch-window on the north-eastern side; south-eastwards it is still isolated from the houses around, while on the other side they flank it even if they have been completely rebuilt. The following enlargements has developed east-westwards for a length of more than 250 metres and it is surrounded by a circle of walls which is partly still visible, even if in some parts it has completely disappeared or transformed mainly because of the houses which have been built over or in front of it; anyway, also where they still exist , they are reduced to the only base. They are alternated by 5 round towers in stone, with a scarp-base and a superior cord, except for one of that northwards; 3 of them are on the northern side; 1 is on the southern one and one on the western side, just beside a door, and another square one on the northern side. Two doors have been kept: one on the south-eastern corner, which is perpendicular to the wall with a pointed arch in stone and the other one, already mentioned, westwards, made up of a square tower which is holed by a round arch-opening, surmounted by two corbels, maybe a rest of the disappeared piombatoi and provided with a series of small arches on upside-down pyramid brick corbels. On the inside, there are several Medieval buildings.
Grancia Museum
After long and delicate works of restoration , the Grancia of Serre di Rapolano has been opened to the public in the new rule of museum. The Museum of the Antica Grancia of the commune of Raploano has been created with the contribution of the Province of Siena. In collaboration with the Monuments and Fine Arts Service and the Councillorship of the Culture of Tuscany. With this operation knot again, in a symbolic way, the thread of a long way of the history not only of the community of Rapolano and Serre, but of the whole province, which has taken important pages of its history from the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala and the system of the Grance. Some historic notices: its creation began in the XIII century and around the XIV century the complex had already the aspect of a continuous block which still keeps. Between the end of the XIV century and the beginning of the XV century it was partly turned into a fortress. Between 1521 and 1531 the deputation rooms of the Grancia and the main room were retouched. A new chapel was created near the Medieval one. Around 1575 it was built the big three-floors building which stretches near the second courtyard of the Grancia. The interventions of the last centuries reflect the functional character which the building got with the alienation of 1790. It is an important historic and cultural heritage which represented the centre of the local agricultural production, which was able to guarantee a part of the food for the sienese hospital. The Grancia was a store of wheat and also for the production of wine and olive oil. Just in order to keep all these functions, the Museum of the Antica Grancia provided for an articulated path. On the inside there is a sector called “oil’s museum” which is dedicated to the olive growing and the cycle of oil, which uses spaces and machineries of an old oil-mill. In these rooms there are some panels about the cultivation and production of the olive oil, which in the XX century was kept in some jars. Another sector of the museum holds the Centre of Documentation of the Grance. In a wing of the building, four multimedia-stations allow the visitors to know, by means of specific hypertexts, the happenings of the Grancia and the system of the Grance of the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala. It is also possible to make a virtual visit in the main architectonic structures of the building.
Rapolano Terme: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
-
- Siena (Siena)
-
25 km from Rapolano Terme
Agriturismo Marciano
Agriturimo Marciano : an exlusive opportunity, two holidays at the place of only one. stay in the country and life downtown. Marciano is located near the walls of the Middle Age town of Siena.
Availability request
Five confortable double rooms and a suite with a beautiful sight on the Siena Duomo -
- Montepulciano (Siena)
-
25 km from Rapolano Terme
Agriturismo le Caggiole
Immersed in the verdant countryside around the noble town of Montepulciano, that boasts ancient Etruscan origins, Le Caggiole Estate is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized treasures.
Booking ONLINE
In a relaxing and cosy atmosphere uests are offered three comfortable, quiet double rooms with private bathrooms and two comfortable apartments for two persons and for small family groups. -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
-
36 km from Rapolano Terme
Villa Chianti 7 beds
Villa Chianti is a private villa for rent in Chianti area with pool and garden that can accommodate up to 7 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace and tranquility with views of the Chianti valleys not far from the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. -
- Cortona (Arezzo)
-
41 km from Rapolano Terme
Rocca di Pierle
Set within the green hills of Tuscany, a few kilometers away from the old Etruscan town of Cortona farmhouse Rocca di Pierle is the perfect place to find peace and tranquility in contact with the pace of nature.
Booking ONLINE
Completely renovated Tuscan farmhouse with 3 rustic-style apartments. For groups possibilities to rent the whole villa. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
-
43 km from Rapolano Terme
Villa Valdarno 12 beds
Villa Valdarno is a typical Tuscan farmhouse located in a secluded and peaceful area in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, among vineyards and olive groves, and enjoys a privileged panoramic view of the Florentine Valdarno.
Availability request
The ideal solution for groups of friends or acquaintances who wish to spend their holidays in Tuscany with the comforts of a detached villa with swimming pool and large garden. -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
-
46 km from Rapolano Terme
La Pieve
La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.
Availability request
Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
-
48 km from Rapolano Terme
Agriturismo la Lucciolaia
In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.
Availability request
This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
-
49 km from Rapolano Terme
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
Availability request
Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
-
54 km from Rapolano Terme
Agriturismo Cesani
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Availability request
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano. -
- Firenze (Florence)
-
60 km from Rapolano Terme
Marignolle relais & charme
The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Booking ONLINE
Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
-
85 km from Rapolano Terme
Villa Roccamare Castiglione della Pescaia 12 beds
Beautiful and characteristic villa with stone finishes located in the exclusive Roccamare area in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Availability request
Surrounded by the green of the pine forest and the total privacy with 2000 sqm park equipped with relaxation area and barbecue is located about 400 meters from the sea and has a private beach. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
-
88 km from Rapolano Terme
Villa Punta Ala 9 beds pool
Beautiful villa with swimming pool surrounded by greenery and tranquility of the exclusive tourist destination Punta Ala and small attic used as service personnel only 300 meters from the sea of Tuscany.
Availability request
This ideal solution for those who want to spend their holidays near the beautiful sea of Punta Ala with the comforts of an exclusive villa. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
-
109 km from Rapolano Terme
Historic Villa Lucca 12 beds pool
Historic villa 14 km from the center of Lucca immersed in the green of the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves, it has a private swimming pool and a large park.
Availability request
Set on 350 square meters in a dominant position offers a unique view of the hills of Tuscany. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
-
120 km from Rapolano Terme
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Viareggio (Lucca)
-
122 km from Rapolano Terme
Villa Torre del Lago 5 beds
Typical Tuscan farmhouse for rent in Torre del Lago, Massaciuccoli area with 3 bedrooms and 5 beds, just 1 km from the Tuscany coast.
Availability request
Ideal solution for small groups or families looking for a villa for rent not far from the sea in a context of absolute privacy.
More accommodations available!
Search on our charming accommodations in Tuscany