Beneath the charming historic center of Sinalunga, hidden and silent, wind the tunnels of the Fonte del Castagno, an integral part of the Water Trail. This set of underground passages stretches for about 250 meters and dates back to the mid-13th century, completed precisely in 1265, when it was necessary to devise and construct an effective system for transporting water from the Pozzo di San Martino, located under the Church of Santa Croce, to the surface, where the Fonte del Castagno was located.
This extraordinary work of medieval engineering had the fundamental task of ensuring water supply to the village. The tunnels are considered a significant testimony to the construction techniques and engineering solutions used in medieval times to manage water resources.
Today, the tunnels of the Fonte del Castagno are transformed into an evocative path for those who wish to immerse themselves in a journey between nature and history. The visit proves to be an intense experience thanks to the presence of carbonate formations of rare beauty and medieval support works, which tell of how man interacted with his surroundings in a distant era.
For archaeology and history enthusiasts, guided tours of the Water Trail provide an unmissable opportunity to explore this hidden heritage of Sinalunga. The explorations are curated by the Sinalunga Archaeological Group and are available upon reservation at the Sinalunga Municipal Tourist Office. Tours are open to groups of a minimum of five to a maximum of ten people, allowing for an intimate and detailed experience of this fascinating underground network.
Anyone who chooses to take the Water Trail route will thus be able to grasp a lesser known but no less fascinating aspect of Sinalunga, discovering the wonderful synthesis between human ingenuity and the gifts of nature.
ufficio.turistico@comune.sinalunga.si.it