Lucignano - Lucignano, a small
suburb in southern Tuscany, is one of the most extraordinary
examples of medieval urbanism because of its elliptical plant
with concentric rings.
Its plant is developed through an interesting
spatial and functional articulation, between the "rich
street" (Borgo ricco), now Via Matteotti looking South
and bright and ample where the residential buildings built
by the nobility rise and "poor street", now Via
Roma (called Corsica) looking north, northwest where smaller
houses rise, characterised by poor buildings and built by
the lower classes of the town.
The position of Lucignano, 414 metres
above sea level, overlooking the Valdichiana, and on the main
route between Siena and Arezzo, has given it strategic importance
since its origins and meant that it was continually at the
center of battles between the surrounding territories as a
medieval castle.
For the three centuries from 1200 to
1500, Lucignano passed continually between the giurisdiction
of Siena, Arezzo, Firenze and Perugia. Lucignano received
the gift of Perugia's coat-of-arms, (still used today), the
winged griffon, to which she added a star to show the hilltop
position of the town.
The name Lucignano probably originates
from a Roman castrum founded by the consul Licinio, and which
became known as Lucinianum after the conquest by Lucio Silla
in the 1st century B.C.. Important archaeological finds indicate
that there were also Etruscan settlements in the surrounding
areas.
The present day layout of Lucignano
originated around the year 1200, and was completed in the
16th century, when the summit of the hill where the castle
was originally was transformed into a center of religious
and politcal power. In 1300, under the rule of Siena, the
fortifications were completed with the city walls and three
city gates (1371): Porta S. Giusto, Porta S. Giovanni, and
the so-called Porta Murata.
Today, Lucignano still maintains intact
its fascinating atmosphere of an ancient village where agricultural
and artisan traditions offer the visitor an interesting variety
of products ranging from extra-virgin olive oil and honey,
the production and restoration of inlaid furniture, the production
of ceramics and gold jewellery, work in pietra serena and
travertine, and the making of high quality clothing, all produced
by the highly skilled and professional local population.
Where is Lucignano: is located in the south of Arezzo
province, on the border with the province of Siena.
How to reach Lucignano: From Arezzo, take the E78
direction south and exit Lucignano, which is 25 Km far
Nearby: Visit Monte San Savino, Gargonza, Castiglion
Fiorentino, Cortona and the south of Siena
Distances: Arezzo 25 Km - Siena 40 Km - Florence 90
Km - Pisa 160 Km
Correct name is Lucignano
Common mistakes are Licignano,
Liciniano, Luciniano, Lucilliano
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Lucignano
- Arezzo - Tuscany Italy
Lucignano 
