Climbing from Sarteano towards the abandoned Convent of the Capuchins and the Church of San Bartolomeo, one reaches a place of great charm and fascination, steeped in history and nature. Here, the rocky walls open up to ancient prehistoric shelters, evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. A large archway leads to small cells, which in the past served as Etruscan tombs, one of which still bears a carved cross, a symbol that highlights the transition between pagan and Christian traditions.
Franciscan sources confirm that around 1212, the young Saint Francis retreated here for eremitic prayer. It is said that the saint was tempted by the devil several times in this very place, an episode that adds a veil of mystery and spirituality to this site. To protect and preserve this site of great religious significance, the followers of the Capuchin Order established a convent here, which was rebuilt in 1594 in the building we can admire today, attached to the Church of San Bartolomeo.
Continuing along the path, one encounters the small cemetery of the friars, a peaceful corner that tells the story of the religious who lived and prayed in this place. The surrounding natural environment is of extraordinary beauty, with a rich fauna inhabiting the area, making this corner of Sarteano not only a site of great historical and religious value, but also a perfect place for those seeking peace and contemplation, immersed in nature.