>> SIENA
The city is built on three hills, maintaining intact its medieval appearance characterized by narrow winding streets and noble buildings in history.
Among the major monuments should be mentioned the Duomo and Piazza del Campo.
Events: Palio delle Contrade (2 July and 16 August), Festa di S. Caterina (29 April), Musical Weeks in Siena (September).
>> MONTERIGGIONI
A charming “borgata” or small town on the left bank of the Staggia river. It was built in the 13th century by the government of Siena as a castle and advance position of the city.
It was soon surrounded by sturdy walls with 14 large towers which originally were much taller than nowadays ("sulla cerchia di Monteriggioni di torri si corona", how Dante describes it in the Inferno), but which still today make the view of the town enchanting.
>> MONTEAPERTI
This town, which is also called Monteapertaccio, was the theatre of the battle between the Guelfs and the Ghibellines fought in 1260. Pride of the history of Siena, this battle represents the highest point and the symbol of the political power attained in the age of the communes. It was one of the most important moments of the fight between Guelfs and Ghibellines. At that time, Ghibelline Siena had extended its control over the surrounding territory up to Pisa; in fact, Siena was the major obstacle to the political and territorial ambition of Guelf Florence.
>> CASTELLO DELLE QUATTRO TORRI
This castle dates from the 14th - 15th century. The original structure with the four tall towers, which gave the name to the fortress, is basically unchanged.
>> EREMO DI LECCETO
About 9 km from Siena.
This Augustinian hermitage is very old and may date from the 4th century. Very little of the original building remains after its transformation in 1317 and again in 1344 into the structure that we find today.
The two cloisters are also very old, one dating from the 13th and the other from the 15th century.
>> CONVENT AND BASILICA DELL'OSSERVANZA
This complex was built by order of Saint Bernardino of Siena and was later restructured and expanded, possibly by the architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini. After extensive damage by allied bombardment in World War II, it was rebuilt in the last century in accordance with the original plans.
The façade is preceded by a porch (porticato) with a steep roof.
The upper part is bordered by two pilasters on the sides and a large fronton (frontone) above.
In the interior are of interest:
- 4th chapel: triptych by Sassetta or by the Master of the Osservanza;
- on the arch: terrecotte by Andrea della Robbia.
Right wall: - 4th chapel: poliptych by Andrea di Bartolo;
- 2nd chapel: terracotta by Andrea della Robbia representing the coronation of the Virgin.
Attached to the church is the Museum.
>> CERTOSA DI PONTIGNANO
About 8 km from the town of Pontignano, It consists of three cloisters and a church. The first cloister is built in the style of the Renaissance, the second, smaller one dates from the 14th century; the third has interesting frescos by Poccetti.
The church contains remnants of frescos, including Histories of Carthusian friars by Francesco Vanni and by Poccetti.
>> CASTELLO DI BELCARO
Outside Porta San Marco. The castle was built in the 12th century and later transformed, first by Baldassarre Peruzzi and then by Partini.
The castle is surrounded by a large park with shade trees.
>> PIEVE DI PONTE ALLO SPINO
The religious building is situated between Siena and Sovicille, along the road leading from Porta San Marco to Ancaiano. The building in the romanic style is of extreme simplicity.
Of interest are the antique capitals in the interior and the remnants of the cloister and of the convent.
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