Roccalbegna
Roccalbegna is one of most fascinating and extraordinary centres in the Monte Amiata territory. The small town takes its name from the numerous rocks which surround it and sits on the valley of the Albegna River, extremely close to mountains, Monte Labbro and Monte Amiata.
Immersed in absolutely fantastic and magical scenery, the environment is characteristic for the extraordinary beauty of its valleys and rivers and for its panoramas, which are absolutely splendid and fascinating. Roccalbegna is sure to enlighten and stun all those who see it simply with its uniqueness and beauty.
The town is magical and interesting in every light, rich in ancient sites, historical palazzi and churches of great fascination and beauty.
Surrounding the village is a stunning countryside and the splendid Natural Reserve of Rocconi, where you can visit and admire the unique flora and fauna of this territory.
Not to miss:
The Church of the Madonna del Soccorso (Madonna of the Rescue): a building of 16th century origins, it was originally dedicated to the Santa Croce (Sacred Cross). The façade is very simple and inside there is only one aisle. The church was once custodian of precious works of art, but they have now been moved to other religious buildings.
The Church of St. Caterina of Alessandria: built in the second half of the 1500’s, it is a very simple structure with a headstone dedicated to the saint on its frontage.
Oratorio del Crocefisso (Oratory of the Crucifix): situated in the more ancient part of the town, this stone building is accessed by passing under a fascinating arch. Inside you can find a painted Cross, religious paintings and other ornate works of art.
The splendid Pieve dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (The Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul): built in the principal piazza of the town.
Church of the Madonna del Conforto (Madonna of Comfort): just outside of the village, this church was finished in the 15th century and is decorated with an elegant portal and a small but beautiful bell tower.
La Rocca (The Fortress): which, erected under the Sienese domination, is seen as a symbol of this wonderful town.
Cassero Senese (Sienese Bridge House): built for the Aldobrandeschi family, the structure fell into disuse for many centuries until the town became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, an event forever remembered by the Palazzo Bichi- Ruspoli.
Museum of Roccalbegna: a stunning display of art, paintings and ancient objects; housed in the building of the Ex-Oratory of the Crucifix
Ethnographic Museum of Santa Caterina: exhibitions on objects, books, documents and items which tell and describe the daily life of the local population, their histories, their traditions, their festivals, their religious celebrations and their work.
History:
Of this town’s history, we know that the foundations of Roccalbegna were already established by 812, under the dominion of the Aldobrandeschi family. During the 13th century, the town, together with other nearby locations, became the important possessions of the Abbazia di San Salvatore (Abbey of St. Salvatore).
It was then controlled by the Republic of Siena, the Piccolomini family, the Sfoza Counts and the powerful house of the De’Medici of Florence. Finally, in the second half of the 19th century the territory of Roccalbegna became part of the Kingdom of Italy.