Radicondoli

“Nel 1972, dopo un lungo periodo di permanenza negli Stati Uniti, desideravo trovare un luogo tranquillo dove potermi ritirare ogni tanto per poter lavorare nella massima concentrazione e lontano dalla vita movimentata e spesso dispersiva delle grandi città… questa di Radicondoli è presto diventata la “mia casa della vita”. Mi sentii subito attratto dal grande rispetto che i toscani nutrono spontaneamente per la loro regione, mi piacque il paesaggio, inserendomi a poco a poco nel tessuto sociale del paese, fui attratto dalla gentilezza e dall’intelligenza naturale della gente di Radicondoli”.

Situated on top of a hill facing the Colline Metallifere, Radicondoli makes its authenticity and vitality visible in every corner. Of Longobard origins, this ancient town displays the beautiful Collegiata, the Crocifisso church, the Augustinian monastery of Santa Caterina della Rota and Porta Olla, the last one standing out of the three from which one could enter the castle, always disputed by Volterra and Siena. The processing of wool was in the Middle Ages for Radicondoli and the nearby Belforte the major source of work to become the largest center of textile craft in Siena. The Riserva Naturale Cornate e Fosini is of great charm, populated by a vast quantity of wild animals and characterized by the presence of limestone rock formations, caves and remains of ancient silver mines. The lively village of Belforte with the Pieve di Santa Maria and the Hospitale are true gems, along with the Renaissance jewels of Anqua and Solaio, the ghost village of Montingegnoli and the castles Fosini, Falsini and Elci. The rich presence of historical evidence today is alive thanks to the industriousness and sociality of a community enriched every year by the celebrated Festival di Radicondoli, and animated by the never dull popular traditions. Radicondoli is the “Oil City”, but also the production centre of fine cheeses.

Radicondoli certainly does not lack opportunities for a good bike ride. The “Grand Tour Valdelsa-Valdicecina”, the “Gran Tour della Valdimerse” and the “Green Fondo Bettini” identify it as a territory of great interest for cycle-tourism. Beautiful proposals are also made up of itineraries departing from the town of Belforte such as “La via da Belforte ad Anqua” and the tour “Anello geotermico da Belforte–Riserva Palazzo”, as interesting as the off-road route “Montagnola Selva gravel”. From Radicondoli two suggestive routes that lead to Casole d’Elsa start: “La via dei Vescovi” and “La via della transumanza”.