Buonconvento

Welcome to Buonconvento!

Hello everyone! Today I will be talking about Buonconvento, a beautiful Italian town located in the province of Siena, Tuscany. This charming city has a population of approximately 2997 and is situated in the Ombrone Valley, where the Arbia stream meets the Ombrone river on the Cassia road. Buonconvento is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is one of the municipalities that make up the District of Crete Senesi.

Goodconvent: History, Art and Nature in Tuscany

Physical geography

Territory

The territory of Buonconvento is classified as zone 3 with low seismic activity according to the PCM 3274 Ordinance of 20/03/2003. The city enjoys a temperate climate thanks to its climate classification, zone D 1598 GR/G, and has an average atmospheric diffusivity, as reported by Ibimet CNR 2002.

History

The name Buonconvento comes from the Latin "Bonus Conventus," which means "happy and fortunate place." The city has a very ancient history, the oldest trace of which dates back to the year 1100. However, an important historical event occurred in 1313 when Emperor Henry VII of Luxembourg died within the municipal territory.

Legend has it that Henry VII was poisoned by a friar from the area, but historians have shown that the emperor died due to an acute infection. The city walls were built in 1371 and were completed in 1383. Buonconvento is the most important center of the Val d'Arbia, as evidenced by the podesteria that includes 32 localities.

Symbols

The Municipality of Buonconvento has a beautiful coat of arms recognized by the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of March 15, 1957. The municipal standard was granted by decree of the President of the Republic of July 3, 1958.

Monuments and places of interest

Religious architecture

Buonconvento is famous for its religious architecture. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul, where medieval frescoes can be admired, is one of the most important churches in the city. The Oratory of the Archconfraternity of Mercy, built in the 16th century, is another place of religious interest in the city. The Church of San Lorenzo, located in Bibbiano, is renowned for its beautiful paintings.

The Chapel of Sant'Antonio in Bibbiano, the Church of San Bartolomeo in Castelnuovo Tancredi, the Church of San Lorenzo in Percenna, and the Parish Church of Sant'Innocenza in Piana are other important examples of religious architecture present in Buonconvento.

Civil architecture

The city is also known for its civil architecture. The Tower of Chiatina is of particular historical and architectural interest. The Anna and Giulio Grisaldi Del Taja Nursery, a former hospital for the mentally ill, has been transformed into a very active daycare center. Villa La Rondinella and Villa Armena are two examples of Renaissance civil architecture.

Military architecture

The Walls of Buonconvento, built in the 14th century, are parts of the medieval fortifications of the city. Walking along the city walls is a fascinating experience.

Buonconvento is a city full of history and charm and is definitely worth a visit. Thank you for reading, and if you have the opportunity, visit this enchanting city!

Elisa Lombardi
Updated Sunday, Feb 5, 2023