Santa Fiora

VILLAGE BETWEEN ART AND NATURE

The town, historically the domain of the counts Aldobrandeschi, in the 13th century became one of the most important centers of Southern Tuscany and fulcrum of the Ghibelline Siena Government resistance. With the end of the Aldobrandeschi the domain passed to the Sforza family of Milan until it was purchased in 1632 by Ferdinando II de ' Medici. Santa Fiora experienced a great development between the 19th and 20th centuries, when it became an important mining Center for extraction of cinnabar.

The historic center is divided into three districts, the oldest part is the District of Castle where its medieval square dominate the fortifications built by the Aldobrandeschi, the square tower and the clock tower. Also in the square the Palazzo Sforza in Renaissance style of the 16th century and today the Town Hall. Also worth visiting the Pieve delle Sante Flora e Lucilla inside houses the famous renaissance glazed terracotta of Andrea della Robbia.

In the district of Montecatino, a symbol of the whole village is the Peschiera di Santa Fiora, suggestive park-garden of Sfrorza counts where you gather the waters of the river Fiora.

 

Traditions and typical products

Among the products of the area include the Amiata IGP brown chestnut with which it is prepared also an excellent polenta with chestnut and the seggianese olive oil DOP, one of the few varieties of olive trees to withstand harsh temperatures the winter Monte Amiata.

In July the country comes alive with the traditional Palio delle Sante Flora e Lucilla, archery tournament and blast from the past with the historical parade in medieval costumes, flag wavers and drummers.

 

 

Photo Credits [touringclub.it]