The hidden charm of Siena: a journey through medieval sources
Every corner of theItaly it is a kaleidoscope of stories, a mosaic of culture and history that intertwine to form ours cultural heritage. From the imposing mountain peaks to the crystalline coasts, from the medieval villages to the architectural masterpieces, Italy is an inexhaustible source of wonders. However, it is in the lesser-known treasures that the true magic of our country lies.
One of these places is located in the heart of Tuscanyprecisely a Siena. Known for its Palio and the splendid Piazza del Campo, Siena is a jewel that enchants eyes and soul. But beyond these known aspects, the city hides a secret equally fascinating: his medieval sources. A complex of underground tunnels 25 kilometers long, real architectural works of art which have passed through the centuries remaining intact. We will follow the path of water, a vital element that has nourished Siena for generations, on a journey through time and history.
Discovering the underground water routes in Siena
The medieval sources of Siena they are a tangible emblem of the city’s history. These structures, dating back to the Middle Ages, have survived the passage of time unscathed, preserving their beauty original. A walk in the historic center or in the green areas near the ancient walls reveals these extraordinary testimonies of the past. The sources, set in the city’s urban planning or hidden among the greenery, are not only functional structures, but monuments to ingenuity and the aesthetics of the time in which they were built.
These sources are powered by a highly efficient hydraulic system, a real one engineering masterpiece medieval. The network extends for 25 kilometers through tunnels dug into the ground, collecting water infiltrations which are then conveyed towards the city. Despite the absence of a river, this system guaranteed Siena a constant supply of water, a key element for the prosperity and historical importance of the city. Even today, the network is functional, demonstrating the foresight of its builders.
Among the sources, the Source Gaia and the Sheepfold Fountain, each with its own unique history, a reflection of the social, economic and technological changes that have shaped Siena over the centuries. These places were not only water supply points, but also socialization centers and exchange.
But the oldest and most impressive is Fontebranda, built in 1193 and still today a witness to the original architecture, despite the changes it has undergone over time. In addition to having a literary and religious connection significant, being mentioned by Dante Alighieri and associated with Saint Catherine of Siena, it is the scene of important cultural events and local holidays, such as the celebrations of Contrada dell’Ocaunderlining its still central role in the social and cultural life of Siena.
The secrets of the ancient Bottini: the underground labyrinth of the Siena aqueduct
Beneath the lively streets and squares of Siena lies a historical heritage of great value: i Lootsunderground structures that still supply the city’s fountains today.
To protect and promote knowledge of this extraordinary network of aqueductsguided tours have been organized that allow visitors to immerse themselves in history, exploring themes related to the use of water resources, engineering and survival, thus discovering a aspect of Siena often unknownbut of fundamental importance.
The two main branches of this system are the Fontebranda Master Lootthe oldest and deepest, which starts from Fontebecci and ends at the Fonte di Fontebranda, and the Fonte Gaia Master Loot, built around 1300, which feeds the famous Fonte Gaia in Piazza del Campo, a symbol of beauty and abundance. Thanks to a system of overflows, the water also flows into other smaller sources, distributing the blue gold throughout the city.
