CASTIGLIONE AND ROCCA D'ORCIA
By Daniele Palmieri

CASTIGLIONE D'ORCIA
Castiglione d’Orcia (mt. 574 slm), is placed on top of a hill which has always been characterised by the way in which farmers have taken care of olive groves and vineyards.
The fact that tombs have been found in this area tells us that human settlements have existed in this village since Etruscan Times. In spite of this Castiglione díOrcia is sited in official documents in the year 714. The importance of ìVia Francigenaî helped the village to develop. At that time part of this road belonged to Longobarda degli Aldobrandeschi family till 1090; It was then that it was donated to the S.mo. Salvatore Monte Amiata Abbey Monks and later on they bought the remaining road in 1154. Afterwards Castiglione was given to the province of Siena by Count Aldobrandino di Tentennano (1251). 1471 external walls were built to protect the village. These walls had 4 doors which remained closed in front of Carlo V Emperor ës Army. Consequently in 1536 Carlo V had to besiege the place so as to be able to take possession of it. After so many other historical episodes the village was given to a Noble Man: He was Fernando Riario who died some time later without any heir. After 17th Century Castiglione ës government became a municipality and later on Rocca díOrcia, Campiglia díOrcia and B. San Filippo became part of it as well.

TO BE SEEN
The Town centre characterised by narrow streets has maintained its medieval characteristics leaving us so many things to see such as:
the Rocca Aldobrandesca, which is being rebuilt at the moment.
the Sala d’Arte, an Art museum which shows paintings of Simone Martin and Giovani di Paolo. (Senense Painters).
Piazza Il Vecchietta – called after the painter Lorenzo di Pietro, who was called Il Vecchietta himself. This Piazza is characterised by its travertine Well.
The Porta di Sopra, the only remaining door built in 1471 together with the external wall, still visible.
The romanesque church "Santa Maria Maddalena", which dates back to 1274.
The church "Santi Stefano e Degna", where interesting paintings from Pietro Lorenzetti can be seen; such us “Maddona delle Grazie”.

ROCCA D'ORCIA
The first news about this village as a fortified place dates back to 867.
Then in 915 The Emperor Berengario allowed  the Monks of San Salvatore Monte Amiata to settle down here.
This right was later confirmed by Corrado II in 1027 and in 1036.
In 1100 The village found itself in the hands of Ardenga who became later on Count of Tentennano.
In 1207 “Charta Libertatis”, a document which recognised the people from Rocca D’Orcia‘s rights, was issued. But in 1251 all these rights as well as other lands (“Terre e Castella”) were given to the  Siena  Republic. Later on  the Land was given  to the Salimbeni family in 1274 as a form of payment  due to the so many debts Siena had after the war against Florence.
The strong power The Salimbeni family had against Siena brought about a great dispute which Saint Catherine of Siena  tried to calm down while staying at Rocca d’Orcia. When She was in the village, the tradition states that, after a vision, Catherine had received the miracle of learning how to write.
“La Rocca” was in hands of Siena again in 1418. Giovanni Zolla was the one to open the doors of the village to allow the army to enter. Cocco Salimbeni took refuge in The tower. He tried to resist as much as he could but when the people swore allegiance to the Republic of Siena, he surrendered. In this way he saved his family and himself.
“La Rocca” became a strong strategic place for Siena.
As It dominated over vast lands it protected Siena from Cesare Borgia (Il Valentino)‘s raids, and in 1502 from Fabrizio Maramaus’ (Il Maramaldo). In 1553 The Rocchegiani People surrendered, without fighting against Carlo V’s Army.
The present Rocca di Tentennano was then given to Its neighbour village: Castiglione d’Orcia.

TO BE SEEN
Rocca a Tentennano: An impressive rocky fortress which dominates the valley. During Spring and Summer many Works of Art are shown. It’s worthwhile visiting.
Chiesa di S. Simeone: Its restoration is being finished. A painting from Bartolo di Fredi :” La Madonna del Manto” can be seen in the church.
Piazza della Cisterna. There is an octagonal well from XII Century in the centre of this piazza.
Borgo Maestro. The buildings which belong to the Law Courts  and Hospital can still be seen as well as the house where Catherine of Siena has saved so many people by miracle.
Porta Senese. It’s the only remaining medieval door which is the main entrance, still today, to the village.
Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie di Manno. It was built in the XVII century and it has  a  walnut altar.

IL MAGGIO
This tradition which has always marked the changing of seasons and harvest is still present in Castiglione d’Orcia (The only place in the Siena province).
It’s known as “Cantamaggio” o “ Maggiolata”.
On 30 th April afternoon a group of singers and music players walk and sing from house to house.
They sing and play Valzer, polka, mazurka o marcetta wishing a good harvest and asking for food in return.
At one time the families offered flour, oil and wine. Nowadays  the families give the singers and players money for them to organise a big dinner for all the villagers and for themselves.
These people also walk and sing to those young women who deserve a husband or to those married couples who sleep quietly. They also sing to the local  authorities (“Bentrovato sacerdote, vero servo del Signore, laudate il Creatore con preghiere si’ devote...”). They go on singing till dawn remembering those who have passed away: (“Maggiaioli che ascoltate, il nostro canto appassionato, non vi abbiamo mai scordato nelle serenate...”).
“Il Maggio” as it is defined by Catiglione people is not an spectacle, artistically speaking, but a tradition to be listened to with passion and respect.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT INTO THE MUNICIPALITY:
Vivo: Palazzo Cervini & Contea, Which was Eremo di San Romualdo, Ermicciolo Park with its seventh century typical huts where chestnuts were once dried and the romanesque church.
Campiglia: Town centre (Via del Teatro), “Sasso” and "San Biagio".
Gallina. Along Francigena road there are many farms which date back to medieval times but which are present today such as "Ricorsi", "Rimbecca", "Briccole", "Scala", "Poderina" and
"Castello di Ripa d’Orcia".