San Lorenzo
Discover San Lorenzo with us
If you're looking for a rustic and suggestive place surrounded by chestnut woods, San Lorenzo is the right destination for you. This small hamlet of the Italian municipality of Arcidosso, in the province of Grosseto, in Tuscany, is located along the State Road 323 of Monte Amiata, halfway between the municipal centers of Arcidosso and Castel del Piano. Let's discover together the wonders of this village immersed in greenery.
Physical geography
San Lorenzo is located on a hill, dominating the surrounding territory, surrounded by other localities such as Case d'Orifile, Pino, Cappuccini, and Palazzina. The surrounding landscape is characterized by chestnut forests and suggestive places that make the atmosphere even more magical.
Monuments and places of interest
San Lorenzo is a locality with a strong religious and artistic tradition. Among the many attractions it offers are:
Religious architectures
The church of San Lorenzo, located in the center of the village, is one of the most valuable elements of the hamlet. Of Romanesque origin, the religious building has been documented since 1067. Inside the church, a wonderful fresco depicting the ''Miracle of the Milk of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Saints Sebastian and Lawrence'' offers visitors a unique view.
The Convent of the Capuchins, located near the locality of Palazzina-Cappuccini, was built between 1590 and 1593 on a place where the citizens of Arcidosso and Castel del Piano once clashed over bell tower fights. The Convent includes the church of San Francesco, whose porch precedes the entrance. The Convent was designed by local masters.
The Chapel of Merope Becchini, next to the Convent of the Capuchins, is a funeral chapel dedicated to Merope Becchini, daughter of the mayor of Arcidosso, Giovanni Becchini, who died at a young age. Built in Neo-Gothic style on a design by Lorenzo Porciatti in 1902, the interior is decorated by the painter Giuseppe Corsini and some statues are kept inside, including the funeral monument in marble made by the Florentine sculptor Vincenzo Rosignoli. On the altar is a painting, the Assumption of Merope Becchini, a work by the painter Galileo Chini.
Civil architectures
The Villa della Palazzina is a large villa located in front of the Convent of the Capuchins. It was built in 1620 and is owned by the Banchini family. This elegant building has significant decorations by the artist Pietro Amati.
Other
The Cave of Merlin is accepted as the refuge of the famous wizard Merlin or of a noble Etruscan warrior, but historians believe that actually the cave was the refuge of a Florentine rebel fleeing from the Spaniards. To keep curious people away, the individual nicknamed by the population as "sorcerer" created these legends.
The Sacrificial Altar of San Lorenzo is a large stone carved with a large P, which means 100. It is believed to have originally been a medieval oven, but local legends report that actually the altar was used for sacrifices of a hundred animals.
Society
Demographic evolution
San Lorenzo has had an important demographic evolution over the years. This locality has always been a welcoming and lively place, thanks to the active community that lives and loves the hamlet.
In summary, San Lorenzo is a hamlet that represents a true treasure of Tuscany. The beauty of the surrounding landscape, the historical and artistic importance of its monuments and buildings, and the life that animates this place make it perfect for spending time in peace or having fun with friends and family.
