Among the Sienese hills a few kilometres away from Poggibonsi, on the hillock of San Lucchese, nestles the monumental complex of San Lucchese. It was founded by Serafino d’Assisi, founder of the Third Franciscan Order. The Basilica - Monastery still has the urn containing the mortal remains of Serafino d’Assisi, patron of Poggibonsi, who met St Francis in this area around the year 1200, during the saint’s first visit to Val d’Elsa. The Basilica, built in the mid XIII century in the Gothic - Franciscan style, has a single nave with exposed beam ceiling and its interior is decorated with important XIV century frescos by Cennino Cennini and a precious altar-frontal by Luca della Robbia. The Sacristy contains the most important work of the entire Basilica: a fretwork wardrobe comprising seventeen panels carved in walnut wood attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna. The San Lucchese complex, in the middle of the countryside, is one of the favourite destinations of the people of Poggibonsi and tourists for day trips and strolls. Very close to the Basilica and well worth a visit is the Fonte di Vallepiatta, known as the ‘fountain of the fairies’, the only architectural remains of the medieval settlement of Poggio Bonizio. Rediscovered in 1803, this large public fountain (the largest in Sienese territory) has been completely restored, cleaned and returned to its original splendour.
(Portions of this article first appeared in "Toscana & Chianti News")
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