The roots of this fascinating convent sink deep into the distant year of 1230, when it was erected as a place of reflection and prayer by the Blessed Guido da Cortona, a devout follower of Saint Francis of Assisi. The name that distinguishes it, Saragiolo, poetically evokes the "place of cherries".

 

During that era, four convents were built for the Capuchin friars, two within the majestic walls of Montalcino and two more beyond. Today, Saragiolo remains the only one to last over time, a genuine historical gem.

 

In 1533, during the period of conflicts between Siena and Florence, the friars were forced to leave the convent during the siege of Montalcino by the Medici troops. In 1563, they regained possession, but found the convent in a state of severe degradation, victim of numerous invasions and robberies. Only in 1620, thanks to significant restoration efforts, did the convent essentially assume the appearance we admire today.

 

Over the course of the 19th century, with the advent of Napoleon, the convent underwent a second abandonment, remaining uninhabited for over fifty years. Only with the passage of time, did it become part of the heritage of the noble Lovatelli family, lords of Argiano.

 

Even today, the skill and ingenuity of the friars in the construction of the convent fascinate the viewer: perfectly sheltered from the cold wind coming from the north, it still preserves the ancient well in the cloister, a stone cistern containing a considerable water reserve. Saragiolo is a "magical" place, a modest and authentic convent, whose genuine character blends harmoniously with the beauty of unspoiled nature.