Castiglione d' Orcia - First
mentioned in 714, Castiglione d'Orcia was a possession of
the Aldobrandeschi family and in 1252 it became a free municipality.
During the 14th century it became a Sienese possession and
later it was the matter under dispute between the Salimbeni
family and Siena.
The centre of the town, with its stone-paved
streets, is picturesque, and the Piazza il Vecchietta is particularly
interesting.
This square is dedicated to Lorenzo di Pietro (1412-1480),
called "II Vecchieta", who was painter, sculptor
and architect. At the centre of the square, completely sloping,
there is a fine fountain in travertine dated 1618, and in
front of which there is the Municipal Palace, containing a
fresco by the Sienese school (a Virgin Mary with Infant Jesus
and two Saints) coming from Rocca d'Orcia.
The walk through Castiglione should
include a visit to the Romanesque Church of S. Mary and Magdalena,
which have been recently restored. Its facade dates back to
the 13th century, while the apse is 1 century oldest; the
bell tower is very interesting, too. Because of the number
of works of art that it contains, the Church of Saints Steven
and Degna was the most important religious building in Castiglione,
even though its interior is not particularly interesting.
Its facade dates back to the 16th century
and it contained a Virgin Mary with Infant Jesus (subsequent
to 1320) by Simone Martini and another Virgin Mary with Infant
Jesus by Pietro Lorenzetti, which nowadays are preserved at
the Monuments and Fine Arts Office in Siena.
How to reach Castiglione d' Orcia: From Siena follow
for Rome - Buonconvento (SS2) and after Buonconvento follow
for San Quirico d' Orcia. After San Quirico follow the road
SS2 for 5 Km and turn right for Bagno Vignoni, Rocca d' Orcia
and Castiglione d' Orcia
Where is Castiglione d' Orcia: is located in the south
of Siena province. See the
map
Nearby: Rocca d' Orcia, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico
d' Orcia, Pienza
Distances: Siena 50 Km - Florence 110 Km - Pisa 150
Km - Arezzo 80 Km
Correct name is Castiglione d' Orcia
Common mistakes Castyglione, Casiglione, Castiglion,
Dorcia, D' Ocia
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