Ospedaletto

The Hospital of St. Thomas the Apostle, better known as the Ospedaletto, is a typical historic building in Rocchette di Fazio, a hamlet of Semproniano. This structure, dedicated to St. Thomas and dating back to the early 14th century, was built outside the town walls to accommodate pilgrims arriving during the night, when the castle gates were closed.

The Ospedaletto's decorative and architectural elements have given rise to numerous legends, many of which link the building to the Templars. An Agnus Dei is carved on the lintel of the main portal, while on one side of the building a cross is engraved inside a circle, the symbol of the Benedictine Order.

A detail of great interest is the bas-relief with a bearded face positioned at the top right of the building. According to some interpretations, it may depict Bafometto, the pagan idol at the center of the accusations against the Templars, while according to others it may represent the patron of the hospital or a monk who guarded the Via Francigena.

On both the facade and the west side of the Ospedaletto, there are two pairs of plaques with vernacular Latin inscriptions, which may refer to the Templar Order and the building's restoration phases.

Step into the past by visiting the Hospital of St. Thomas the Apostle, a place rich in history and mystery in the heart of Rocchette di Fazio."