From the spring now used by the campground’s pools, the water was once divided into two flows at the so-called “spartitoi” (dividers): one of them ran along the town’s walls and was used to irrigate the gardens, while the other watered the surrounding fields. Until 1857, when the central square was completely rebuilt with the destruction of the old parish church of San Martino and the relocation of the central fountain, water from the spartitoi flowed into the “gora di piazza,” which was closed following the construction works. However, the water continued to flow freely along the town’s walls until 1957, when it was channeled beneath the road. After passing the main square, near where the Locanda dei Tintori is now located, there used to be a first mill, active until 1950. From there, the water split into further channels: towards the washhouses, now home to the Public Library, and then towards Radicofani, and another flowing towards the Val di Chiana. The route leading down to the Astrone is dotted with small churches, and once with mills, 18 in total, of which only the evocative ruins of two are still visible. The seven small churches most likely arose on pagan sites dedicated to the worship of water. After the San Martino gate, heading towards the cemetery, you’ll find the first: the “Chiesina della Concia,” of which only the tympanum remains visible. Continuing, you’ll find the Church of Santa Vittoria, deconsecrated and roofless; the Church of the Crucifix, now a private residence; the shrine of the “Madonna dell’Uccellino”; the private chapel of the Borselli family; the shrine of the “Madonna del Maldicapo”; and the beautiful Church of Spiagge, surrounded by a massive travertine block wall, connected to one of the dark paths descending towards Chiusi, possibly an Etruscan-era structure. Near the cemetery, the large structure called the “gorone” is part of the extensive canalization system that remained active until the last century. Continuing past the ruins of the old mills, following the powerful descending water flow, you reach the remains of the Roman thermal complex of the Giannini fishpond, whose grandeur is documented by a 36-meter wall in opus reticulatum. From there, you can return to the town via the evocative route of the two “vie cupe,” streets of Etruscan origin with walls carved into the high travertine cliffs. Near the Palazzina area, the road is dotted with cavities and Etruscan tombs.
