Discovering Monte San Savino
Monte San Savino, a picturesque town in Tuscany, is known for its rich historical and artistic heritage. Famous for its porchetta, the village enjoys a privileged location on the western side of the Val di Chiana. Its roots trace back to Etruscan times in the 4th century B.C., and during the Renaissance period it flourished under the influential Ciocchi-Di Monte family.
The historic center unfolds along Corso Sangallo: starting from the imposing Cassero, a medieval fortress dating back to the 14th century, visitors can admire the Renaissance Loggias of the Merchants, the Palazzo di Monte (the current town hall), and the churches of St. Augustine and St. John. Other notable landmarks include the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Vertighe and the Civic Tower.
Discovering Monte San Savino
Monte San Savino, a picturesque town in Tuscany, is known for its rich historical and artistic heritage. Famous for its porchetta, the village enjoys a privileged location on the western side of the Val di Chiana. Its roots trace back to Etruscan times in the 4th century B.C., and during the Renaissance period it flourished under the influential Ciocchi-Di Monte family.
The historic center unfolds along Corso Sangallo: starting from the imposing Cassero, a medieval fortress dating back to the 14th century, visitors can admire the Renaissance Loggias of the Merchants, the Palazzo di Monte (the current town hall), and the churches of St. Augustine and St. John. Other notable landmarks include the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Vertighe and the Civic Tower.
Palace of Monte
The Palazzo di Monte, constructed with pietra serena and featuring Ionic columns, stands out for its elegance. Inside, valuable artworks include a 16th-century door carved by Fra’ Giovanni da Verona and a gallery of portraits of local dignitaries. Behind the palace are the extraordinary hanging gardens, designed by Nanni di Baccio Bigio on the orders of Giovanni Maria di Monte, which connect the palace to the city walls.
The Cisternone
Adjacent to the Palazzo di Monte is the Cisternone, a large cistern built in the late 16th to early 17th centuries to irrigate the hanging gardens.
Merchants' Lodges
The Merchants’ Lodges, built in the 16th century by Nanni di Baccio Bigio, stand proudly along the main street. With five arches supported by fluted columns and Corinthian capitals, these lodges are a fine example of Renaissance architecture, showcasing harmony and elegance.
The Cassero
The Cassero, an ancient fortress from the 14th century, now houses the Museum of Folk Pottery, showcasing the town’s ancient craft tradition. It also hosts large exhibition spaces and a conference room.
The Civic Tower
The Civic Tower, built by the Perugini in the 14th century and now home to the International University, offers panoramic views of Monte San Savino and its surroundings from its thirty-meter height.
Sant'Agostino and San Giovanni
The churches of Sant’Agostino and San Giovanni, overlooking Piazza di Monte, are adorned with remarkable artistic masterpieces. Sant’Agostino houses Giorgio Vasari’s Assumption and the tomb of Sansovino, while San Giovanni features late Mannerist works by Orazio Porta and Ulisse Giocchi.
The Verdi Theater
The Verdi Theater, restored in 2000, serves as a cinema-theater and cultural hub, reflecting Monte San Savino’s vibrant theatrical tradition.
The old Synagogue
The old Synagogue, now municipal property, reflects the historical presence of the Jewish community in Monte San Savino. Restored in 1729-32 and again in 2004, it contains architectural details such as framed windows and a niche for the aron ha-qodesh.
Santa Maria delle Vertighe
Dating back to the mid-15th century, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Vertighe holds notable works of art, including a panel painting by Margarito and Ristoro d’Arezzo.