City: Sovicille (Siena) - Pop. 8800 - Alt : 265 m asl -
Location: Tuscany
Description: Agricultural and commercial town in good location
near Siena. Sovicille is situated at about 10 km west
of Siena along the road from Siena to Massa Marittima and to
the seaside. The territory of the commune ranges from 200 and 618
meters in altitude, with a total area of 14,376 hectares and it is
one of the largest in the area.
Sights and Attractions:
The area is full of castles, palaces,
small churches, tower-houses, historical settlements because Sovicille had more medieval hamlets and villages (about 55) than any
other area in Tuscany. Some have been destroyed, others transformed
into farmhouses and yet others still have maintained their original
features. Some hamlets are very lovely because they have remained
unaltered, as if time has stopped altogether.
Noteworthy, are the Parish Church of St. Lorenzo situated in the
square of the castle with a beautiful fresco attributed to Giorgio
di Giovanni inside, follower of Beccafumi (1538-1559), which
represents the Madonna and Child between Saint Christopher and Saint
Onofrio on one side and the saints Lucia and Martino on the other.
The painting in the left transept is attributed to a follower of
Riccio. Another sight is the lovely Romanesque church of Ponte allo Spino, with three naves close to the remains of a
gothic cloister.
Museums: Museum of Wood
Events: San Lorenzo festival from Aug 1 to 10, gastronomic festival with music, theatrical
performances, concerts and plays.
Typical products: wine, agricultural products.
Nearest airport:
Florence Airport (1 hour) or Siena Ampugnano airport (10 min drive)
Nearest train stations: Siena train station (15 km)
Public transportation: TRA-IN Bus service