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Torrita di Siena
Torrita di siena, a fortress town that has always been linked to Siena and its power, sits on a hill in the Sienese Val di Chiana and is surrounded by enchanting landscapes and views that will take you away from the chaos of the city.
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The history of Torrita di Siena is closely linked to the events surrounding the city of Siena. This small town in the Val di Chiana in fact has always shared the fate of the city of the palio, as its loyal ally. As per Torrita di Siena, we must mention Ghino di Tacco, the gentleman outlaw who was born here, whose actions remind us of the character of Robin Hood.
Even if very little remains of its towers and walls, the town has kept its medieval look and the typical landscapes that only these villages can offer. Walking through its alleys it is possible to reach the central Piazza Matteotti on which the Palazzo Pretorio (now the headquarter of the Municipality) and the church of Saints Flora and Lucilla stand. The Church was built starting from the 12th century and over time it has undergone some alterations while maintaining its Romanesque forms. The exterior of the building has a brick facade enriched by some architectural elements such as the portal, the rose window and the shelves. The interior, preserves some paintings and an interesting marble lunette depicting “the Blood of Christ” attributed to Donatello. In the main square of Torrita di Siena we also find the Teatro Comunale degli Oscuri. This theater was founded by the Accademia degli Oscuri, which in 1776 obtained the town hall to give the city a place of culture and perform one comedy a year.
Historical events
Palio dei Somari
The Palio dei Somari (the donkey palio) is one of the few Tuscan events recognized as a reenactment and historical reconstruction. The idea of organizing an event celebrating the great tradition of woodworking dates back to 1996. The Palio dei Somari was meant to be a festival inspired by the simplicity and tenacity of craftsmanship. Today, however, it is much more: an event that lasts an entire week and is made up of events such as historical re-enactments, the highly anticipated donkey race and the food and wine tradition.
How to get to Torrita di Siena
Torrita di Siena is 20km from Chianciano Terme and it can be reached either by car, with extra-urban bus connections available on weekdays and finally it is also possible to get there with the service offered by the Valdichiana Gran Tour which is active however only in summer.