Siena and its surroundings, history, and luxury properties
Luxury villas, medieval towers, ancient towns, and local cuisine
The city of Siena, capital of the province with the same name, is in the heart of Tuscany. It is an area worth exploring, with a rich history and culture. Broker Immobiliare Exclusive Real Estate lists luxury villas and estates for sale in Siena and its surroundings, in the verdant countryside and gently rolling hills, from which all the major cultural landmarks are easily reachable.
Piazza del Campo is the heart of Siena’s historic center and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Piazza hosts the famous Palio di Siena, though in ancient times it used to be a field (hence the name, “campo” meaning field) where markets were set up. Two important Sienese buildings overlook the Piazza: the Palazzo Comunale and the Torre del Mangia. The Palazzo Comunale, also called Palazzo Pubblico di Siena, was built with red bricks and white marble by the government of the Republic of Siena between 1298 and 1310. The Torre del Mangia was built between 1325 and 1348. Its peculiar name comes from its first custodian Giovanni di Balduccio (or “di Duccio”), nicknamed “mangiaguadagni” (profit eater), as he squandered his earnings eating excessively. At 102 m in height, it is one of Italy’s tallest ancient towers.
As well as these two historic buildings, Fonte Gaia is also located in Piazza del Campo. It is historically significant, as it was the city’s first public fountain. It is so named due to the joy of the Sienese citizens during its opening. While it was opened in 1386, the marble statues and reliefs decorating it were created between 1409 and 1419 by Jacopo della Quercia, born in Querciagrossa, in the province of Siena, and died in Siena. Not far from the Piazza del Popolo lays the smaller yet majestic Piazza del Duomo, with the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta overlooking it. Behind the latter stands the Battistero. More than a century was necessary to build the Duomo (1179 to 1317). Inside it, the marble is mostly black and white – the colors on Siena’s coat of arms. A proposal to add on to the Duomo was put froward, to represent the city’s growing power. The black plague foiled of 1348 foiled this plan.
Just 20 km out of Siena lays Monteriggioni, a small town surrounded with a proper stone crown – a ring of city walls with several towers. This charming small town was mentioned by Dante in Canto XXXI of the Inferno. Time indeed seems to have stopped at that time period, especially during the historical reenactment “Monteriggioni di torri si corona” (“Monteriggioni crowned with towers”), a title which is direct citation from Dante’s work. Monteriggioni was built for defensive purposes, and the towers were useful to spot any enemy. A walkway runs along the walls’ interior side. From here, the beauty of the Sienese countryside of Valdelsa can be admired from any angle.
It is impossible to mention ancient towns and towers without mentioning the fortified city of San Gimignano, which lays to the north-west of Siena and Monteriggioni. It is nicknamed the medieval Manhattan for its several towers which stand high over the walls. Only 13 towers remain out of the original 72. They were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. The twin towers of the Salvucci family are of note. The family had them built in the 13th century as a symbol of its power over the city. Of the 13 towers, the Torre Grossa is the highest, towering next to the Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà in Piazza Duomo.
The exploration of Siena and other areas in this evocative province cannot be complete without having tasted local Sienese cuisine. A typical pasta dish is pici, which look like thick spaghetti. The three main pici recipes are pici with cacio cheese and pepper, aglione sauce, and briciole sauce. As far as meat dishes, Siena is famous for its cinta senese pork, great as cold cuts or sausages or as guanciale. When it comes to desserts, ricciarelli are typical Christmas cookies made with almonds, sugar, and eggs. After they are baked, they are covered in powdered sugar. Another Sienese Christmas dish is panforte (in ancient times called pane natalizio, “Christmas bread”). It is similar to nougat and is made with dried and candied fruit, honey, and spices.
Broker Immobiliare Exclusive Real Estate lists luxury villas and estates for sale in Siena and its surroundings, in an environment rich with historic locations.
Villa Vernaccia
This villa for sale in the hills of Siena, Tuscany, is in a splendid hilltop location overlooking the instantly recognizable Crete Senesi landscape. It is surrounded with 3 hectares of land and has a swimming pool.
Tenuta Margot
Splendid stone farmhouse with guethouse for sale in Monteriggioni, Tuscany, for a total surface of 600 sq. m. It also has a pool, an olive grove, and 19 hectares of land with a view like no other on the Tuscan hills and the Crete Senesi.
Tenuta Brera
Characteristic Tuscan estate for sale a few kilometers out of Siena and Montalcino, Tuscany, in an extremely peaceful panoramic location, where each window frames the charming view over the surrounding countryside.
