Beyond the Montecchio kiln, a road to the right leads to the hill overlooking the valley of the Argenna stream. Here stands the hamlet of San Polo, sometimes called “de turre”, of the tower, in historical documents. it is a small cluster of rural houses surrounding a church and the tower which controlled the valley. The first documents to mention the tiny church date back to 1260, when it was recorded as one of the poorest parishes of the area. In the 19th century it became the private chapel of Senator Bani: the interior still contains the altar from that period. The landscape is dominated by the ruins of the imposing tower-house, built during the first decades of the 13th century. Its doors and windows have pointed arches made of finely hewned ashlars of alberese stone.

A Note on Strada dei Poggi
Strada dei Poggi joins San Donato to Castellina passing by Pietracupa. This scenic route runs entirely over the ridge of the hills, offering spectacular views of the Pesa valley on the left and the Elsa valley on the right. Just outside San Donato, a left turning leads to Montecchio and the atmospheric village of San Polo, while, continuing on the main road, you reach the Madonna di Pietracupa.

-

Return to San Casciano in Val di Pesa