Museo dell'Antica Grancia e dell'Olio

Discover the History and Culture at Museo dell'Antica Grancia e dell'Olio in Serre di Rapolano

Nestled in the charming town of Serre di Rapolano in Tuscany, Italy, the Museo dell'Antica Grancia e dell'Olio offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history and agricultural heritage. This museum, housed in a centuries-old fortified farmhouse, known as a "grancia," is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the traditional production of olive oil.

Unveiling the Ancient Grance

The Museo dell'Antica Grancia e dell'Olio documents the history of the ancient fortified farmhouses, or "grance," which belonged to the Santa Maria della Scala hospital in Siena since the 14th century. These grance were built to administer the numerous agricultural lands left as legacies to the hospital and to store the harvested crops before transporting them to Siena for charitable purposes.

A Glimpse into the Agricultural Past

As you explore the museum, you'll discover the complex architectural structure of the grance, which housed granaries, wine cellars, olive oil mills, and other spaces necessary for the processing and preservation of wheat, wine, and olive oil. The Grancia di Serre, dating back to the 13th century, was a local agricultural production center that ensured a steady supply of food for the Santa Maria della Scala hospital in Siena.

A Journey through Time

The museum's exhibits, featuring ancient tools, photographs, and documents, symbolically weave together the threads of a long stretch of history, not only of the Rapolano and Serre communities but also of the entire province of Siena. The museum offers two main paths for visitors to explore.

The first path illustrates the overall history and functions of the grance, with informative panels and multimedia stations that delve into the structure's significance and the Santa Maria della Scala hospital's grance system. You'll learn about the organization of the farms, the road network, and the roles of the people who worked there.

The second path delves into a specific sector of agricultural production: olive cultivation and oil production. This section is set up in an ancient olive oil mill, showcasing the importance of olives in Mediterranean culture, the olive's production cycle, and the oil-making process.

Olive Oil Tasting and Olioteca

In addition to the museum, visitors can also enjoy an olive oil tasting experience at the Olioteca. Here, you can sample and purchase olive oil from some of the main olive oil mills in the Siena area. Immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of this liquid gold, and take home a bottle as a delicious souvenir of your visit.

When to Visit and Practical Information

The Museo dell'Antica Grancia e dell'Olio is located at Via dell'Antica Grancia, 3 in Serre di Rapolano. The museum is open to the public, and admission fees apply. Residents and children can enter for free, while full-price tickets cost €3.50, and reduced tickets are available for €2.00. School groups can also visit for €2.00 per child, which includes a guided tour and educational activities.

The museum offers audio guides in Italian, English, and German for an additional fee of €2.00. It's recommended to take advantage of these guides to enhance your understanding of the exhibits and the history they represent.

Serre di Rapolano itself is a picturesque village suspended in time. It boasts a rich history, including the Cacciaconti family's feudal rule since the 13th century. The Church of San Lorenzo houses the tomb of Cacciaconte de'Cacciaconti, attributed to the Gothic sculptor Agostino di Giovanni.

When planning your visit to the Museo dell'Antica Grancia e dell'Olio, consider exploring the surrounding area as well. Serre di Rapolano is known for its quarries, which have supplied the famous travertine used in architectural masterpieces such as the Torre del Mangia and Palazzo Piccolomini in Siena, San Biagio in Montepulciano, and the facade of the Cathedral of Pienza.

Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and flavors of Tuscany at the Museo dell'Antica Grancia e dell'Olio in Serre di Rapolano. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an olive oil lover, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this museum is sure to captivate and educate.