the swift house - cooperativa di comunità Davide Lazzaretti

Located in the historic centre of Roccalbegna, near the Town Hall and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul (XIII century), Casa del Rondone has been present in the papers of the Republic of Siena since 1210.

It appears like a tower house with exposed stone with access from Via della Balza, and an internal staircase leading to the accommodation. This consists of two rooms: a kitchen with a window and a large bedroom with a double bed plus an adjacent bathroom with a window from where you can see la Pietra, the symbol of the town. The house is heated by a vintage 50s style wood stove.

Recently restored according to building criteria that allow to preserve the population of the common swift Apus apus, a trans-Saharan migratory insectivorous species that uses the spaces under the roof tiles to reproduce, Casa del Rondone (the house of the swift) has become part of Monumenti Vivi Toscana & dintorni, an association that protects and promotes the conservation of wild species that live alongside human beings.

From Roccalbegna it is possible to reach on foot the Natural Reserve of Pescinello, with its large tree species, such as secular wild pear trees; and the Natural Reserve of Mount Labbro, a detrital cone of great charm that hosts, in addition to numerous species of birds of conservation value such as ortolan buntings, rock buntings , redstarts and hen harriers, also the traces of Davide Lazzaretti’s Giurisdavidica Community that gives the name to our Cooperative.

In 10 minutes by car (30 minutes on foot) you can reach the WWF Oasis Natural Reserve of Bosco Rocconi, a special wild place for the reproduction of rare birds of prey and rich in wild orchids.

The ALBEGNA RIVER, which has its source in the mountains behind Roccalbegna and crosses the town with a torrential flow, in the middle of summer represents an excellent opportunity to cool down in the numerous rock pools and their frequent waterfalls.

Travel time to nearby places of interest: Terme di Saturnia Spa 40 minutes, Mount Amiata 30 minutes, Città del Tufo and its Etruscan quarries (Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovana) 1 hour, Terme di San Filippo Spa 1 hour.

Please contact the Davide Lazzaretti Cooperative for advice on planning your trip, reaching local producers and booking excursions on foot, horseback and bicycle.