San Leonino: Church, Vineyards and Walking Trail

Church, Vineyards and the Romanesque History of San Leonino in Conio

San Leonino combines ecclesiastical history with vineyards and olive groves. The Pieve di San Leonino has a central apse with a double-splayed window opening and a monolithic archivolt arch. The parish church of San Leonino in Conio dates back to the early Middle Ages and is described as one of the most important religious centres between Fiesole and Siena. Architectural details and a long ecclesiastical history thus come together at this church site.

The medieval development of the settlement is also closely connected with the church: in the 12th century, San Leonino in Conio was a pieve with numerous affiliated churches. Every year in October, the residents of San Leonino hold a public celebration in the Romanesque church. The date adds an annual event organised by the residents to the historical perspective.

Vineyards and Olive Groves at San Leonino Farm

San Leonino Farm covers a total of 100 hectares. Of this area, 52 hectares are vineyards and 6 hectares are olive groves. The vineyards therefore occupy more land than the olive groves; the difference between the two uses is 46 hectares. Together, the vineyards and olive groves cover 58 hectares of the farm. Both uses form part of the documented landscape of San Leonino Farm.

The parish church gave San Leonino Farm its name and belongs to it. Since the parish church became part of the Lega del Chianti, the farm has produced wine. The connection between the church and the farm therefore extends from the origin of the name to the documented production of wine.

Plan Your Routes and Access in Conio Carefully

The main entrance to the Chiesa della Compagnia di San Leonino in Conio is accessible via stairs; there is no access ramp. For visitors who require step-free access, the absence of a ramp is a feature of the church site that should be taken into account.

The “Visiting San Leonino” walking trail leads to the parish church of San Leonino. At Monsanese Road, it is a detour from the Via Romea and leads towards the hamlet of San Leonino. In the route described, this trail therefore connects the church site with the hamlet and the regional route.

The S.Leonino walking trail runs from the ancient parish church of Saint Leonino to the Via Romea at Monsanese Road. Alongside the “Visiting San Leonino” trail, this describes a second named walking trail with its own starting point at the ancient parish church.

San Leonino and the Surrounding Via Romea Sanese

The routes around the church site form part of a broader regional context. The Via Romea Sanese connects the historic centres of Florence and Siena along an 80-kilometre route. San Leonino therefore represents not only the parish church, the October celebration and the farm, but also a place in the vicinity of a historic connection between two Tuscan centres. The route broadens the perspective from the local paths at Monsanese Road to the regional course between Florence and Siena.

As another place to include in your travel plans, you can also take a look at Lilliano.

For the main travel overview: Castellina In Chianti.