History

In the days of sharecropping, this property was entrusted to farming families who worked the land. The landowners lived in the main house, while part of the structure was used as a stable and another part as a hayloft. Families were large, and the manor house, with its grand fireplace, was the heart of community life: here, people would gather in the evening to share stories, discuss daily hardships, and allow children to play together.

Around the main house, smaller buildings were home to those who carried out essential trades for the community, which often consisted of a single extended family. Each person had a well-defined role, crucial to the well-being of all.

The stableman was responsible for the care of animals, both farm and working animals, which were essential for survival and field labor. The miller ground wheat and corn, producing flour for both the animals and the daily bread, baked in the large wood-fired oven. The woodcutters moved according to the need for tree cutting; they were given temporary lodging, where they could stay for as long as their work required. The wood was used to produce charcoal in charcoal pits, managed by the charcoal maker, who oversaw the entire production process.

The vineyards provided grapes for winemaking, while some bunches were dried to produce Vin Santo. In the farmhouses, there was always a cellarman, responsible for storing wine in barrels and making vinegar. The wine cellar was usually located in one wing of the manor house, keeping the land’s products cool.

Sant’Ercolano, located in a hilly area, is surrounded by mixed forests, including chestnut groves that still exist today. Chestnuts were used both as feed for pigs and to produce flour for making polenta, sweets, and pasta. The drying process took place in a drying house, where chestnuts were slowly heated for at least 40 days.

The estate manager, often the eldest member of the landowning family, coordinated the community’s activities. He was responsible for managing resources, supervising work, and ensuring the sustenance of anyone passing through the estate. Travelers were welcomed and repaid hospitality with their labor.

The road leading to Sant’Ercolano bears witness to one of the most tragic moments in local history: the massacre of June 29, 1944, when the Nazis killed 244 civilians, including many partisans. To honor their memory, one of the village farmhouses now bears the name La Dimora del Partigiano.

Today, Borgo Sant’Ercolano is a place suspended between past and present: an ancient country inn transformed into a charming residence and farmhouse. Here, those who appreciate history and the value of the land can rediscover the ancient culture of good living, immersing themselves in an authentic and timeless atmosphere.