Buonconvento - An important
agricultural centre on the gentler side of the Sienese Clay
Hills. Buonconventlo already flourished in ancient times thanks
to its particular geographical situation: at the confluence
of the Arbia and Ombrone rivers on one hand, and along the
route of the all-important mediaeval Via Francigena on the
other.
This favourable position brought rich
trade, but also raids: Emperor Henry VII died there among
others in 1313 after having conquered the town.
Still enclosed in the rectangular
form imposed by the walls built by the Sienese in 1371, the
town has preserved the monumental northern gate opening towards
the capital of the province. Buonconvento was the seat of
a podesta fron 1270 onwards and still boasts a fine Town Hall
on whose facade one can distinguish the coats-of-arms of 25
podesta of olden days. The main tourist attraction (apart
from the typical gastronomic delights such as the Val d'Arbia
DOC white wine and vinsanto, or the white truffles from the
Sienese Clay Hills) is, however, the important Sacred Art
Museum, which houses works from the local churches: amongst
these are paintings by Sano di Pietro and Matteo di Giovanni,
as well as interesting wooden and marble sculptures.
Amongst the other sights worth seeing
are an uncommon number of fine Liberty-style noble houses.
Lastly, there are many castles scattered over the surrounding
land, such as the fortress of Bibbiano Guiglieschi, over a
thousand years old, the tower of Bibbiano and the great architectural
complex of Castelnuovo Tancredi.
Nearby: Montalcino, San
Quirico d' Orcia, Murlo
How to reach Buonconvento: From Siena follow indication
for the Cassia Road SS2, Isola d' Arbia and then Buonconvento.
Where is Buonconvento: is located in the middle of
Siena province. See the
map
Distances Siena 28 Km - Florence 95 Km - Pisa 140
Km
Correct name is Buonconvento
Common mistakes Buon Convento, Buono Convento, Bunconvento
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Buonconvento
- Siena - Tuscany Italy
Buonconvento 
