MONTALCINO

Department locality

Castelnuovo Abate
This old village probably founded by the monks of the nearby Abbey of Sant'Antimo was, in the 13th century, one of the frontier forts of the Republic of Siena. Situated on a small hill it does not boast any buildings of particular architectural interest except for the parrochial church, with a much damaged doorway and some remains of the original fortifications.

S.Angelo In Colle
A small mediaeval village built on a hill which overlooks the Val d'Orcia, it was fought over for a long time in the 13th century, until it finally became one of the forts in the vanguard of the Republic of Siena. The village has kept its mediaeval structure with narrow streets and typical archways. At the entrance stands the majestic tower known as "il Cassero " and the old gateway that bear witness to its ancient function as fortified castle.

Torrenieri
Situated on the old Francigena Way, it suffered until recent times many destructions from the armies that went through it. It has no monuments of particular interest except for an austere castle near the river Asso.

Camigliano
The first mention we have of this hamlet comes from the 10th century. This, like the other castles was ruled by Siena in the 12th century. It has kept its ancient layout intact. Of particular interest are its two squares with their picturesque cast-iron fountains and well. The most noteworthy building is the church of San Biagio where traces of its romanesque origins are visible in one of the walls.

Sant'Antimo
This Abbey is situated some 9 kms. from Montalcino, built at the beginning of the 12th century on the ruins of an old 8th century monastery. Remains of the 8th century building are on one side of the cloister: the finely worked frames and architrave that make up the lateral door of the building. The Abbey, well preserved thanks to recent restoration work, is one of the most brilliant examples of romanesque architecture in Italy.

Santa Restituita
Built in the 13th century on an old Roman settlement. Its three original romanesque naves and tower were rebuilt around 1800; the new building added on to it has considerably changed its original appearance.

Castello Di Argiano
Also originating in Roman times we first hear of it in the 9th century. In the 13th century it was one of the fortifications of the Republic of Siena.It includes an imposing tower and old walls. In the middle is a small courtyard with a well.

Poggio Alle Mura
This is the largest and best preserved of the castles. It was a strong-hold in the fights between Siena and Florence. It is a compact building with sloping foundations and a quadrangular lay-out. It has two internal courtyards and a crenellated tower. Despite various additional buildings made in different periods it presents a harmonious architectural whole.

Romitorio
This fortress probably dates back to the 12th century. Despite recent restoration works, this massive and compact building does not appear to have undergone any major transformations. It is built in the classic style of a mediaeval fortress with four walls and a tower at each corner. In the south side it presents further town-walls that delimitates a large court-yard.

Castelgiocondo
The origins of this castle dates back to the 12th century, but much more than others it has undergone alterations in time, one notices the very evident trace ofa nineteenth-century restoration in the round windows and in the crenellations. The castle presents a crenellated tower at the front side while at the back there is a large garden.