Trequanda Province of Siena - Tuscany - Italy

History

The Commune comprises the three villages of Trequanda, Petroio and Castelmuzio. The origin of Trequanda is unknown, as is the etymology of its name.
Its history is only recorded from the middle of the 13^th century when presumably already for several centuries it was property of the Cacciaconti families Scialenga and Berardenga.
During the period of property division between Guelfi and Ghibellini (1273), Trequanda rebelled against the government of Siena and in 1289 after Guelfa’s requisition the general council of the Commune of Siena unsuccessfully proposed to have the rebellious town razed to the ground. Trequanda remained at the centre of attention of influential persons of that time given its important location for controlling transport on routes linking Chiusi and Siena via Asciano.
The formed medieval village still has visible remnants of its outer walls and two of the original three entrance portals. It stands on the topof a hill (462 m) in a wellmanteined natural environment of woods, tidy fields of vines, olives and cereal crops.
Black cypress trees mark the landscape where the fields and farmhouses bear witness to a unique example of this fragment of "Buon Governo".
From the airy town square where stand the castle, the Town Hall and the splendid romanic church of SS. Pietro and Andrea, the highest point of the hill, steep and narrow roads and alleys descend where the attentive visitor will be surprised to find ancient covered passages, small votive ceramics, family coats of arms, and beautiful benches in travertine and tufo.
A third of the village is taken up by the castle Cacciaconti (now property of CARIPLO) and its various annexes including a small ornamental garden. The majestic stone tower, partly rebuilt after the war, dominates the entire complex from the north-east and is a singular witness to the original fortified castle structure.
The parish church of Saint Stefano a Cennaro is also of particular interest.
The communal territory occupies an area of 64 sq km, more than a third of which is covered with lush woods of oak and a wide variety of mediterranean herbs.
The road which links the villages offers a series of particularly attractive scenic views.
The climate is mild and pleasant in every season and is particularly suited to a relaxing holiday.
Local farm products are of high quality: olive oil, wine, pecorino cheese, salami, honey and meats from the Chianina breed of cattle.
Many farm offer "agritourism" holidays and are wellequipped for rambling, biking and pony trekking.

Art

A hilltop settlement which grew up around a 13^th century castle. The embattled round tower which remains represents the most interesting artistic piece to be seen.
THE PARISH CHURCH OF SS. PIETRO AND ANDREA: founded in the 1200s, it has an ashlar facade of light and dark stone with a resulting effect of colour little known in this region. Inside is a fresco of the TRASFIGURATION by Sodoma and a triptych by Giovanni di Paolo with Madonna and Child.

Castelmuzio and Petroio

Spiral-shaped villages still showing evidence of the different historical eras including examples of late medieval buildings in square hewn stone.

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Castelmuzio: The parish church of S.Stefano

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Cultural events

[Chianciano Terme] [Other locality]

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