CASTELLO DI SAN FABIANO IN MONTERONI D’ARBIA

The Castle of San Fabiano, located in the picturesque Crete Senesi region just 12 km south of Siena, between Chianti and Val d'Orcia, has all the characteristics of a small independent hamlet, with its 12th-century tower, Villa, farm buildings and a Church built in 867 AD dedicated to San Fabiano, who was both Pope and martyr.

The Tower of San Fabiano was part of a system of watchtowers along the Via Francigena pilgrim route, between the first outpost of the Republic of Siena, Radicofani, and the famous Torre del Mangia tower located in the very centre of the city of Siena. The charming small Church, with its 9th-century apse and 18th-century façade, was a resting place for the passing pilgrims’ body and soul.

At the end of the 15th century, the Castle was transformed into a fortified farm by the noble Forteguerri family, who were its owners until 1916. The property subsequently changed hands and was divided for the next thirty years.

In 1950, it was purchased by the Fiorentini Counts, Roman entrepreneurs who spent the following decade restoring the buildings, including 25 farmsteads, and reunifying the agricultural estate so that it extended over a total of 750 hectares. Their goal was to transform the complex into a summer residence and hunting reserve. Their efforts were successful: Castello di San Fabiano became a thriving agricultural centre.

Today, the San Fabiano Estate has become a wildlife repopulation area, and the current owners, Architect Fiorentino Fiorentini and his wife Beatrice, have chosen to live there permanently with their three children, converting it into an elegant residence that is unassuming but full of charm. They welcome guests from all over the world who are keen to discover Tuscany and experience the authentic Italian way of life firsthand.

THE HISTORY OF CASTELLO DI SAN FABIANO

Like the rest of the village, Castello di San Fabiano has undergone numerous architectural interventions over the centuries, which add further character to its appearance, making it a truly unique building. In the village, medieval buildings alternate with Renaissance columns and vaults, as well as farmhouses and granaries typical of the period of the ‘Mezzadria’ or metayage period in Siena, when the produce of the soil was halved between the landowner and the landholder, while from time to time, it is possible to observe more recent interventions, some dating back to the post- World War II period.

San Fabiano was the 20th Bishop of Rome and Pope of the Catholic Church. His election took place in truly extraordinary circumstances. Christians had gathered in Rome to elect a new bishop and were examining the names of various noble and illustrious figures, when suddenly a dove alighted on the head of Fabiano, a poor peasant who happened to be in the city by mere chance. This vision reminded the assembled brethren of the Gospel scene of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Saviour, and so, divinely inspired by what had just happened before their very eyes, they unanimously chose Fabiano as the new Pope.

During his 14-year pontificate, of which very little is known, the persecution of Christians came to a halt.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: AGRITOURISM ACCOMMODATION, WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS IN THE CRETE SENESI REGION

Weddings: prices starting from €1500

Corporate events: prices starting from €1500

Entire property rental per day: please contact the owner

Entire property rental per week: please contact the owner

Entire property rental per weekend: please contact the owner

Single room per day: double room from €130 to €250

Single room per week: double room from €860 to €1660

Single room per weekend: double room from €260 to €500 (please specify the number of beds and check prices for high and low season)

Catering: prices starting from €30.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE VICINITY

Siena, Buonconvento, Montalcino, the ancient fortified Granary of Cuna, Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

Siena, Buonconvento, Montalcino, the ancient fortified Granary of Cuna, Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.