Radicofani stands out for its imposing medieval fortress, one of the most beautiful in Tuscany that dominates the Val d’Orcia with its beautiful eminence. It was long a strategic position for the control of the valley, on the border between the Papal State and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, situated on the Via Francigena which pilgrims to Rome used for centuries.
The ancient medieval village at the foot of the Rocca has beautiful remains, distinguished by the orange flag of the Italian Touring Club dedicated to the most beautiful towns in the country. It has Romanesque churches and palaces, including the Palazzo Pretorio, the 16th century Villa Medici, the Medicean Post (or Osteria Grossa) which was the former postal station of horsemen.
Radicofani Fortress
Probably built by the Carolingians in the 9th century, the Rocca di Radicofani dominates from almost 900 meters above sea level a vast territory of the Val d’Orcia, where the view leads from Mount Cetona to Mount Amiata.
For its important strategic position, it was often disputed throughout history. For example, the Pope took it in the 12th century, it was controlled by Siena at the end of the 15th century and then by the Medici of Florence.
Its history is linked to that of Ghino di Tacco, a famous brigand from the Val d’Orcia who helped the poor like a Robin of the Woods, having established its headquarters in the fortress at the end of the thirteenth century.
It houses the Cassero Museum, which preserves archaeological artefacts dating back to the Etruscan era up to the 16th century and documents the history of the building. You can also see the fortress, including the underground walls and the spectacular view
Things to do and see in Radicofani
San Pietro Church
The Romanesque-Gothic San Pietro church dates back to the 13th century, and was the main building in the town, which was restored after the Second World War. To its left is the church of Santa Maria Assunta, on its right an oratory, and opposite the church of Sant’Agata.
The portal is from the thirteenth century.
The interior has large gothic arches, preserving terracotta masterpieces by Andrea della Robbia from the 16th century, including a Crucifixion with Mary Magdalene, the Virgin with saints, but also a wooden sculpture of the Virgin with the Child by Francesco di Valdambrino.
In the garden adjacent to the church there is a statue representing Ghino di Tacco, the « gentleman bandit ».
Medici Post
Along the Via Francigena, the Posta dei Medici (the Medici post office in English), called for centuries « Osteria Grossa », was built around 1584 at the request of Ferdinand I de’ Medici. It served as post and exchange of horses until the end of the 19th century. It has a hunting lodge, opposite the 15th century Sienese customs house transformed into a barracks by the Medici. It welcomed the illustrious figures of passage, such as popes, Mozart, Joseph II of Austria, Casanova, Stendhal, Chateaubriand, Charles Dickens, etc.
Its facade has a double loggia on two floors. On the first floor there is a royal chapel, living rooms, bedrooms, etc.
In front of the fountain was built in 1603.
Bosco Isabella
Nearby is the charming Bosco Isabella, a romantic and esoteric garden along the road south of the village, built in the late 19th century.
Where is Radicofani, map
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