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Neighbourhood
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Montepulciano |
Chianciano |
Cetona |
Chiusi |
Pienza |
San Casciano dei Bagni |
Sarteano |
Montefollonico |
Radicofani |
San Quirico |
Montalcino |
Trequanda
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MONTEPULCIANO
Montepulciano presents the characteristic aspect of its origins as a mediaeval urban centre: perched on a hill that rises between the Valdichiana and the Val d'Orcia, it clings to the traditional Tuscan houses of stone and brick.
Legend has it that Montepulciano was founded by the mythical Etruscan King Porsenna. It's more likely, however, that it originated as the property of the Roman "Gens Publicii", from which it would have derived its name "Monte Publiciano".
Montepulciano became a municipality at the beginning of the 14th century. For a long time it was contested between Siena and Florence, but was finally established as part of the Medici seigneury in 1511. This period of Montepulciano's history is studded with internal struggles between the noble families who strove to gain local power.
But these families also have the distinction of having made Montepulciano a city that could compete with Siena and even Florence in the grandeur of its public and private buildings. Montepulciano today is almost identical to what it was four hundred years ago. Its palazzi and narrow streets form an historic centre in which time seems to have stood still, leaving the beauty and majesty of the Renaissance buildings intact.
The works of Antonio Sangallo the Elder, Andrea Pozzo, Vignola and Michelozzo alternate with each other on an itinerary that starts at the lowest gate and ascends through the town to reach the Piazza Grande. In the Piazza are the Palazzo Comunale designed by Michelozzo, the Palazzo Contucci and Palazzo Nobili-Taurgi of Sangallo, the distinctive "Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni" (the well of the gryphons and lions), and the cathedral, which houses the triptych of Taddeo di Bartolo.
The primary cultural initiative is the ""Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte"", a summer arts festival that is primarily musical but also provides a venue for drama, dance and figurative arts.
Another important event is the "Bruscello", the performance of a folk tale in the old style of country theatre.
The "Bravio delle Botti" on the other hand, evokes the mediaeval history of Montepulciano in a challenge between the eight "contrade" (guilds) that have divided the town since 1337.
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CHIANCIANO TERME
Chianciano was a major, Etruscan-Roman centre, due most likely to the healing properties of its thermal waters.
Significant evidence to support this was discovered in a monumental thermal complex in the central location
"Mezzomiglio". Today Chianciano Terme is one of the most famous and important mineral springs in Italy.
There are a number of significant archaeological finds from the Etruscan and Roman epochs - some of recent discovery -
on display at the Civic Archaeological Museum "Delle Acque". The thermal-tourist section of
town is situated next to the old, Medieval centre of Chianciano, which contains a number of
treasures of Romanesque and Renaissance art. Some of these treasures, such as the Sienese and
Florentine paintings of the followers of Duccio di Buoninsegna and Arnolfo di Cambio, are on exhibit
at the Museum of Sacred Art in the Dean's Palace. Chianciano is at about 550 m above sea level.
It's nestled in extensive woods of oak, beech, holly and chestnut between the Valdichiana and the Val d'Orcia where, in addition to the classic Tuscan countryside, there are also ramparts, castles, fortresses and abbeys to admire. The famous mineral springs are crowned by this still uncontaminated environment. Chianciano Terme offers all the climatic and tourist advantages of its geographic positioning.
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CETONA
Situated on the slopes of a mountain that is its namesake, Cetona preserves the characteristic structure of a medieval settlement. Its lanes and streets twist and turn in spirals up to the fortress at the summit. Belvedere, a 40,000-year-old prehistoric settlement nearby, is well worth a visit.
Of particular interest also, is the Monte Cetona Civic Museum of Prehistory, which has finds dating from the Paleolithic era to the Bronze Age. In the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo (Saint Michael the Archangel) (1155 A.D.) one can admire frescoes of the Sienese school attributed to Cola Petruccioli. The church of the Santa Trinità (the Holy Trinity) houses a cycle of frescoes by Pinturicchio. While having developed a significant tourist sector in recent years, the local economy is still very much based on agriculture and farming. Among the most renowned local products are olive oil, wine, cheeses and cured meats. And the local cuisine, rooted in the classical Tuscan tradition, is not to be missed.
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CHIUSI
Chiusi, which was already a major centre in the Etruscan era,
had its period of maximum splendor during the time of the legendary King Porsenna.
Significant finds from archaeological digs, past and present, are on display at the
National Museum of Etruscan Archaeology. Facing the museum is the cathedral, which
predated the 12th century and was transformed in 1585. Next to the cathedral is the
Cathedral Museum. Instituted in the 30's, the Museum houses a number of important
finds including precious, illuminated missals. Over the years, several Etruscan
tombs have been discovered in the region - the Pellegrina, the Scimmia (monkey),
the Leone (lion), the Pania and many others. Christianity spread quickly in this
area; proof of this is found in the Catacombs of Santa Mustiola and Santa Catarina
(Saint Catherine). In addition to the catacombs there is the so-called "labyrinth
of Porsenna", an intricate system of underground tunnels leading to a cistern that
dates from the 1st. century A.D. For these as well as its natural attractions,
Chiusi has developed a growing tourist sector. Situated below the town, Lake Chiusi
is one of the prime, natural attractions - a peaceful body of water that reflects
the surrounding hills, where one can pass the time fishing or bird watching.
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PIENZA
Originally called "Castello di Corsignano", Pienza took its name from Pope Pius II Piccolomini who, in the second half of the 15th century, initiated a restoration that was meant to be the utopian expression of an ideal city.
The village itself is an absolute gem, and the Cathedral in particular is breathtaking. In it are housed works of Giovanni di Paolo, Matteo di Giovanni del Vecchietta, and Sano di Pietro. There's also a marble altar attributed to Rossellino, the architect whom Pope Pius II commissioned to redesign the village.
Next to the cathedral is the Diocesan Museum, where works from the school of Sodoma and Sano di Pietro, as well as 15th and 16th century Flemish tapestries are on display.
A short distance away is the beautiful Palazzo Piccolomini, designed by Bronzino and Beccafumi.
Below the village unfolds the spectacular countryside of the "Natural, Artistic and Cultural Park of the Val d'Orcia" with its ravines, rolling fields and famous cretaceous ridges.
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SAN CASCIANO dei BAGNI
This small village is located in the extreme southern part of the province of Siena, in the region that borders Umbria and Lazio. A place of some renown in the Middle Ages, San Casciano today still preserves the aspect of a typical mediaeval village, dominated by the massive square turret of Palazzo Bologna. The historic centre is not to be missed, with the narrow streets, alleyways and little piazzas that are characteristic of a hill village. The 11th century Basilican Church, located outside the centre and near the hot springs, is well worth a visit. San Casciano, nestled in an unspoiled natural area, is a favourite destination of tourists and connoisseurs of thermal cures such as inhalation therapy, hot springs baths and mud therapies. The tiny hamlet of Celle sul Rigo, dominated by a majestic 13th century tower and an unforgettable panorama, is only a few kilometers away. And for any visitor to these places, sampling some of the typical local products is an absolute must.
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SARTEANO
Located on a ridge that rises above the Valdichiana, Sarteano's mediaeval origins are clearly indicated by the imposing, square donjon of its 10th century castle. Sarteano also boasts a number of municipal and ecclesiastical buildings of great historical interest. Visits to the church of San Martino in Foro, and the Collegiata (Collegiate Church), which is dedicated to Saints Lorenzo and Appollinare and houses a number of valuable works of art, are particularly recommended. Among the municipal buildings of note are the Palazzo Comunale (the Municipal Hall), the Palazzo Piccolomini, the Palazzo Goti-Fanelli and the Palazzo Cennini. Another little gem is the theatre, Teatro degli Arrischianti.
The Civic Museum of Archaeology houses a number of important Etruscan and Roman finds and is definitely worth a visit.
The "Giostra del Saracino" takes place every year on "Ferragosto" (the 15th of August). The "Giostra" is an exciting jousting match that originated in the Middle Ages.
A few kilometres from the centre, through dense and pristine woods, one arrives at the fortified Abbey of Spineto and the mediaeval village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro.
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MONTEFOLLONICO
Montefollonico (575 m above sea level) is a small, mediaeval village that has its roots in the historic rivalry between the republics of Siena and Florence. In fact, the village came into existence as a Sienese stronghold against the "Florentine" Montepulciano. The first indications of human settlement in the area date from the Neanderthal period (roughly 60,000 years ago), as evidenced by stone tools found in the locality known as "Il Tondo" (presently a public park).
There is evidence of a territorial dispute in the year 715 for possession of the parish of San Valentino (Saint Valentine).
The history of the village as it is today begins in the 13th century with the founding of the Parish of San Leonardo (Saint Leonard) by Cistercian Monks of the nearby monastery. The monks were occupied with wool milling or fulling, from which the village derived its name: Mons a Fullonica. After years of alternating successions, Montefollonico was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1555.
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RADICOFANI
The Val d'Orcia is dominated by a solitary fortress that's surrounded by the ruins of an historic castle. Radicofani was an important outpost on the border with the Roman state. The fortifications, built on the orders of Cosimo I, were destroyed by the explosion of a powder magazine in 1735. Radicofani remains famous for the exploits of the bandit Ghino di Tacco, who lived in this area for many years.
The church of San Pietro (Saint Peter) houses ceramics by Luca della Robbia. The church of Sant'Agata (Saint Agatha), built in Gothic-Sienese style, is of particular interest.
The striking, 16th century Post building with its double-arcaded façade is found in the Via Francigena. A number of famous personages found lodging here including Chateaubriand, Dickens and Montaigne. The latter was a connoisseur of good food with a particular appreciation for the use of olive oil in various dishes. In his writings he often recalled the warmth and hospitality of Tuscany.
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SAN QUIRICO
Of Etruscan origin, San Quirico gained importance thanks to the vicinity of the Via Franchigena.
In 1154, Federico Barbarossa met with the ambassadors of Pope Adriano IV and this event is still
celebrated the third Sunday in June with the "Feast of Barbarossa". In 1167 it was the seat of the
Imperial Vicariate. In 1559 Florence acquired the village under Cosimo I de Medici.
The Collegial Church of Saints Quirico and Giuditta is built in the Romanesque style. It has three portals; the south one is attributed to Giovanni Pisanu. Inside there is an altarpiece by Sano di Pietro and a choir that dates from 1432-1502.
Palazzo Chigi dates from the 17th century. The "Horti Leonini" (16th century) are one of the first examples of an Italian-style garden. From August to October the garden hosts an exhibition of sculptures entitled "Forma nel Verde" (Form in the Green). The Romanesque church, Santa Maria Assunta (Saint Mary of the Assumption), is said to have been constructed on the ruins of a pre-Christian temple. The church of San Francesco (Saint Francis) houses two wooden, polychrome statues and a Madonna attributed to della Robbia. The nearby hamlet of BAGNO VIGNONI has been famous since Roman times for its healing waters, which spring from the earth at a temperature of over 50 C and collect in the vast pool at the centre of the village to striking effect.
In the portico at one end of the pool there is a small shrine dedicated to Saint Catherine of Siena. The Vignoni Castle overlooks the village and can be reached from either San Quirico or Bagno Vignoni; in fact, it makes a lovely nature walk.
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MONTALCINO
Montalcino (m 546) is located on the summit of a hill that overlooks the valleys of the Orcia, the Arbia and the Ombrone. In addition to the splendid panoramas, a tour of the village offers many mediaeval buildings to admire, beginning with the Palazzo Comunale. The historic seat of the Priors, the Palazzo Comunale is constructed in an austere style of stones decorated with coats of arms. It is surmounted by a tall, slender tower and has impressive arcades supported by pointed Gothic arches dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Next there is the cathedral; built in neoclassical style on the site of an 11th century church, the baptistery houses a collection of interesting sculptures. In addition there are: the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help), built in 1600 on the site of a 15th century church close to the Porta al Corniolo; the Gothic-Romanesque church of Sant'Agostino (Saint Augustine); the church of Sant'Egidio (also known as the Church of the Sienese) dating from the beginning of the 14th century; and the church of San Francesco with its square tower.
The Civic Museum houses a number of important works: Madonna with Child, and Saints John and Peter in terracotta by della Robbia from 1507, and a 15th century della Robbia terracotta of Saint Sebastian. The Museum of Archaeology houses finds of the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages, funerary urns and Etruscan pottery.
In the Diocesan Museum are found: a Romanesque crucifix from the beginning of the 13th century, parts of an altarpiece by Luca di Tommè, and a Madonna with Child of the school of Duccio di Buoninsegna.
Montalcino also owes its fame to the renowned Brunello wine.
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TREQUANDA
The mediaeval village of Trequanda is located in one of the most unspoiled regions of the province of Siena. The village grew up around a 13th century castle, of which remains the imposing, crenellated tower. Trequanda is perched on the top of a hill, nestled in beautiful, natural surroundings of woods, vineyards and olive groves.
Agriculture still thrives in this region and the production of oil, wine, honey, cheeses and cured meats is well known for its quality and quantity. At the heart of the historic centre is a bright and airy piazza. Overlooking the piazza is a 13th century, Romanesque church dedicated to Saints Peter and Andrew. The building's façade of dark and light stones produces a chromatic effect that is rare in this region.
Inside there is a fresco of the Ascension by Sodoma and a triptych by Giovanni di Paolo.
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