Two Cities, One Deep Bond
Narni, a picturesque Umbrian town, and Siena, a Tuscan jewel, share a secret that dates back to medieval times: an intricate system of underground tunnels for the transport and collection of water, which has shaped the life of both communities.
Friday 10 May, at 4.30 pm, the Bortolotti Auditorium (former church of San Domenico) in Narni will host a public meeting dedicated to this fascinating hidden world.
Water: A Vital Good
The Bottini of Siena, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, are not only an engineering masterpiece, but also a testimony to the wisdom of our ancestors.
These underground tunnels, dug into the rock, were used to channel and distribute water, guaranteeing the water supply to the cities.
In Siena, in particular, the Bottini still supply the historic city sources today, such as the famous Fonte Gaia in Piazza del Campo.
In Narni, for 2000 years the Roman aqueduct of Formina together with the Fonte Feronia fed the numerous Roman and medieval cisterns of the city.
The link between Narni and Siena
Friday’s meeting will be an opportunity to explore the link between Narni and Siena through the Bottini and the Formina aqueduct.
Narni Sotterranea and the La Diana Association of Siena will guide us on a journey into the past, revealing stories of courageous workers and mysterious creatures that populated these tunnels.
The Loot of Siena: A Heritage to Preserve
Today, the Bottini are a heritage to be valued and protected.
Their calcium-encrusted walls, stalactites and stalagmites tell a thousand-year history.
We cannot help but admire the ingenuity of our predecessors, who created such a sophisticated hydraulic system.
If you find yourself in Narni or Siena, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this underground world, where water and history intertwine in a timeless embrace.
Post Views: 14
