Trequanda between local history and hilly landscapes

Trequanda is situated on a hill between the Val d’Asso and the Val di Chiana. The town combines a clearly recognizable historic character with a cultural landscape that also offers plenty of opportunities for active days.

Historic center with distinctive landmarks

The historic center of Trequanda is intact and partly surrounded by walls. Access is through the preserved Porta al Sole or Porta al Leccio. The center’s distinctive landmarks include the Romanesque church of Santi Pietro ed Andrea and Castello Cacciaconti. The castle has a tall white-stone tower and crenellated walls. It also includes an Italian garden. A particular architectural feature is the Torre del Molino a Vento. It is a dovecote dating from the late 18th century and contains around 500 terracotta nests arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Archaeological finds in Trequanda also point to the period between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC. The town’s history therefore extends from pre-Christian traces through Romanesque religious architecture to later fortifications and buildings associated with local rule.

Route on foot or by bicycle

For an active part of your stay, there is a 5 km route that starts and ends at the car park on Via Cacciaconti. It takes 2 hours on foot and 1 hour by bicycle. You can follow the route as a walk through the hilly landscape or cycle it. The cultural landscape Paesaggio Policulturale di Trequanda was officially added to Italy’s national register of historic rural landscapes by a decree issued in February 2018. The Trequanda area is also part of the Città dell'Olio network.

Festivals, music and activities for younger travelers

In May, Trequanda holds celebrations in honor of Blessed Bonizzella Cacciaconti. Traditional events included a pilgrimage to Belsedere on Sunday, May 3. In this edition of the celebrations, the “Contesa delle Porte” was introduced for the first time, a competition between Trequanda’s three contrade. Walks through the hills of Trequanda were held as part of the celebrations honoring Blessed Bonizzella. The events program also includes music: The second edition of the Cacciaconti Music Festival featured a chamber music concert by Quartetto Indaco at Castello Cacciaconti. For a stay with children and teenagers, the Piscina Comunale “Del Sole” offers relaxation, swimming lessons and numerous summer activities for children and teenagers.

Terracotta between traditional and modern techniques

The Museo della Terracotta in Petroio presents the continuity between ancient terracotta-making techniques and more recent production methods. The exhibition thus traces the development from historic techniques to later forms of production. For further orientation, you can also view Sinalunga, Chiusi, Poggibonsi, Chianciano Terme, Gaiole In Chianti, Badesse, Castiglione D'orcia and Sovicille.

For the broader travel overview: Siena.