Holiday apartment in Iano: Discover history, nature and trails

Iano is located near the Selva di Camporena woodland between Valdelsa and Valdera. The surrounding area contains numerous fossil and mineral remains. Thermal water rises to the surface at a spring and deposits travertine-bearing fossils. Iano therefore offers a landscape where observing nature and the history of the Earth are just as present as historical traces.

Landscape between travertine and ancient rocks

The hills around Iano date from the Pliocene, approximately 8 million years ago. In the travertine beds, passages of a variety of calcareous alabaster, commonly known as onyx alabaster, emerge through cracks. At Iano, the Falesia Masso del Becco faces southwest. The hill between Iano and Palagio is also geologically noteworthy: the Santuario della Pietrina stands on its summit, and it is considered one of three islands in Tuscany that formed during the Carboniferous.

History reflected in the village

In the centre of Iano stands the Chiesa di Sant’Andrea in Alliano, first mentioned in 1004. The remains of the Castello di Camporena have also been preserved in the village. An Etruscan tombstone depicting a warrior was found near Iano and is dated to the 5th century BC. More recent history includes the development through which Iano became known after an agricultural crisis in the post-war period for the extraction of travertine, serpentine, onyx and mercury.

Trails to the Falesia and the Santuario

A signposted path below the Santuario della Pietrina leads through dense vegetation to the Falesia Masso del Becco. The path to the Santuario runs through the holm oaks and pines of the Selva di Camporena. From Iano, a hiking trail also leads to Pian delle Querce, which is accessible on foot all year round. Before the ascent, a detour leads to a rare natural population of yew trees. From Iano, the road to Palagio continues via a steep lane to the Santuario. From there, the view extends across the Valdera and its gentle hills to Volterra.

Traditions and guidance for your holiday apartment

Presepi nel Borgo has been associated with a nativity-scene route since 2009, which runs through Iano from 8 December. The exhibition stretches for about one kilometre through the lanes to the scattered houses. In the immediate vicinity of the Santuario della Pietrina, a solemn procession takes place on the last Sunday in September. When choosing a holiday apartment in Iano, you can organise your plans around the main highlights: historical discoveries in the village, trails through the Selva di Camporena, or an excursion to the viewpoints and natural features around the Santuario. Iano can be reached from Montaione via the road that leads through San Vivaldo towards Villamagna.

Discover other destinations within the same wider area via Alberi, San Vivaldo, Sughera and Zona Industriale Comiti.

To the main travel overview: Montaione.