San Giovanni delle Contee
Welcome to the hamlet of San Giovanni delle Contee!
San Giovanni delle Contee is a beautiful and characteristic hamlet in the municipality of Sorano, located in the splendid region of Tuscany. The hamlet is located to the north of the municipal territory, on a hill overlooking the valley of the Stridolone stream. It is a perfect place for those looking for a bit of peace and tranquility, immersed in unspoiled nature.
Physical geography
The hamlet of San Giovanni delle Contee is located about 14 km from Sorano and just over 85 km from Grosseto. It is a small hill that overlooks the valley of the Stridolone stream, in the heart of the Tufo area. Its panoramic position makes it a unique place, with breathtaking views of Tuscany.
Origins of the name
The hamlet of San Giovanni delle Contee owes its name to the Church of San Giovanni Battista (later dedicated to Santa Caterina delle Ruote) and the geopolitical context of the Countship of Ottieri, located between Santa Fiora, the Orsini of Pitigliano, and the territories of Siena and Orvieto. Its history has been marked by numerous disputes that have occurred over the centuries.
History
The village of San Giovanni delle Contee has medieval origins, when it was created to serve the County of Castell'Ottieri. The period of greatest splendor came at the end of the 14th century, when the nearby castle of Sopano was destroyed and abandoned. Despite numerous disputes, the village remained in the County of Castell'Ottieri until its incorporation into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in the 17th century. In the 18th century, the parish church was completely rebuilt to meet the needs of the population.
The 20th century was marked by the earthquake of 1919, which destroyed much of the circular medieval village. Despite this, the hamlet has managed to maintain its charm and identity, with numerous structures made of Tufo blocks.
Monuments and places of interest
San Giovanni delle Contee is an architectural gem, with numerous structures made of Tufo blocks. Among its monuments and places of interest, there are:
Church of Santa Caterina delle Ruote: the parish church of San Giovanni delle Contee, already present in the 17th century. It was radically renovated in the 19th century and restored in the 20th century.
Royal House: one of the few buildings of medieval origin that remain in the village. It was the ancient residence of the Ottieri family in the village. Its arch portal with an anthropomorphic head is very characteristic.
San Giovanni delle Contee also offers numerous opportunities for nature lovers, with trails and paths immersed in the splendid Tufo area.
Society
The population of San Giovanni delle Contee has undergone a process of decline in recent decades. However, its identity and history have allowed the hamlet to maintain its charm and authenticity.
Here is the demographic evolution of the hamlet of San Giovanni delle Contee:
- 1861: 316 inhabitants
- 1871: 307 inhabitants
- 1881: 335 inhabitants
- 1901: 469 inhabitants
- 1911: 432 inhabitants
- 1921: 384 inhabitants
- 1931: 340 inhabitants
- 1951: 355 inhabitants
- 1961: 289 inhabitants
- 1971: 213 inhabitants
- 1981: 157 inhabitants
- 1991: 107 inhabitants
- 2001: 71 inhabitants
- 2011: 54 inhabitants
If you love Tuscany, San Giovanni delle Contee is a must-visit! Come and discover this medieval village and immerse yourself in the charm of its history and nature.
