The Cisternone

Visitors to Monte San Savino should not miss the 16th-century cistern, recently restored and now accessible via a metal walkway (free admission). Located beneath the hanging garden of Palazzo Di Monte, the cistern consists of two naves measuring 26 × 5 meters each, covered by barrel vaults and connected by four large round arches.

Built with mixed materials — stone and brick — it collected spring water from the surrounding area as well as water from the Butarone stream, originally supplying the entire community. Designed by Nanni di Baccio Bigio, it is today one of the largest water reservoirs in Tuscany, second only to those of Livorno. Its waters are now used to irrigate the garden above, while the remains of the old fountain outlets recall its former public function.