Monday, September 23, 2013

Radicofani

Radicofani is a comune in the Province of Siena in the Italian region Tuscany, located in the natural park of Valdorcia about 110 km southeast of Florence and about 60 km southeast of Siena.

The main landmark of Radicofani is its Rocca (Castle), of Carolingian origin and documented from 978. It was the castle of Ghino di Tacco
Rocco di Radicofani
View from Rocco
Occupying the highest point of a hill, at 896 m, it was restored after the conquest from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany (1560-1567). 
Mount Amiata from Rocca di Radicofani
Looking down at Chiesa di San Pietro from Rocco
It has two line of walls: the external one has pentagonal shape, while the inner one is triangular, with three ruined towers at each corner and a cassero (donjon) which can be visited.Also notable is the Romanesque church of San Pietro, with a nave, housing some works by Andrea della RobbiaBenedetto Buglioni and Santi Buglioni. Also by della Robbia is the precious Madonna with Saints at the high altar of the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta a Contignano
The road to Radicofani from Bagno Vignoni was long (over 32 km) and arduous.  

In the spring, I may return to Radicofani and finish the Via Francigena through Lazio into Roma.  

Isole Borromee