Rapolano Terme offers several distinct starting points for a stay: thermal pools, the history of the historic centre and the agricultural heritage of Serre. You can organise these themes according to your interests as early as the planning stage. If you are mainly looking for thermal facilities, you can compare the features of the two named facilities; culture enthusiasts will find historical themes in the town centre and in Serre with clear dates attached.
Thermal facilities: pools, Kneipp and scenery
Terme Antica Querciolaia has a thermal park covering more than 43,000 square metres, with six outdoor pools and two indoor pools. It also has a thermal-water whirlpool pool and two Kneipp trails. If you consider the types of pools when planning, you will find these other named facilities alongside the division into indoor and outdoor pools.
At San Giovanni Terme Rapolano, the thermal bath park is set in a large green area overlooking the Crete Senesi. This gives you different aspects to consider: are you more interested in the various pools and Kneipp trails, or in the view of the Crete Senesi from a large green area? Comparing these features can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
Parco Avventura Saltalbero also offers a specific option for planning with children: its activities are aimed at children aged three to seven.
Historic centre and former administration
Castellare is the oldest part of the historic centre of Rapolano Terme. The historic gate Porta dei Tintori, also known as Porta a Siena, bears the year 1307 as well as the coats of arms of Rapolano and Siena. The gate’s two names and the two coats of arms are specific historical details that can guide a culture-focused look at the town.
Until 1862, Palazzo Pretorio was the seat of the PodestĂ , the Gonfaloniere and the mayors. This brings different aspects of local history into view: the oldest quarter of the centre, a gate bearing the coats of arms of Rapolano and Siena, and a building with a former administrative function. The year 1862 marks the end of that function, not the construction date of Palazzo Pretorio.
Agricultural history in Serre
In Serre, a hamlet of Rapolano Terme, the Museo dell'Antica Grancia e dell'Olio di Serre documents the history of fortified agricultural estates known as Grance. These belonged to the Santa Maria della Scala Hospital in Siena from the 14th century. The Grancia di Serre was built in the 13th century and served as a local centre for agricultural production, as a granary, and for processing wine and oil.
The distinction between the dates helps put things in context: the Grancia di Serre was established in the 13th century; the stated affiliation of the Grance with the hospital dates back to the 14th century. The themes also complement one another: the Grancia’s history encompasses both its role in production and storage and the processing of wine and oil. The museum explores the broader history of this type of estate.
Plan your travel dates and accommodation
The culinary calendar includes the annual Sagra della panella e della focaccia rapolanese, also known as Settembre rapolanese. It runs from the last weekend in August until the first Sunday in September and includes a food stall. If you would like to plan your stay around the Sagra, check the event dates and programme before travelling.
When planning where to stay, you can first decide whether thermal facilities, local history or the agricultural heritage of Serre will shape your stay. If the Sagra is important for your trip, also take its dates into account.
Discover more destinations: Serre Di Rapolano, Armaiolo, Sovicille, San Giovanni D'asso, Taverne D'arbia, San Quirico D'orcia, Cetona, Radicondoli.
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