Cetona
Cetona: history, landscape, and traditions of a Tuscan town
Cetona is a small town located in the province of Siena in Tuscany, with a population of around 2500 inhabitants. The toponym probably derives from an ancient Paleochristian parish, mentioned in documents as ''baptisterium Sancti Johannis de Queneto o de Queteno'', which may be linked to the Chieteno stream flowing just to the south. This is just one of the many historical and archaeological finds that make Cetona a fascinating and exceptional place.
History
The town boasts a rich history, documented back to the 7th-6th century BC with the presence of Etruscan villages on the hills of Chiusi and Sarteano, while the settlement in Cetona is documented near Camposervoli. In 1207, the town was mentioned for the first time as a castle. In 1260, the village passed to the city of Orvieto, after a long dispute with the Republic of Siena. In 1418, Cetona was conquered by the condottiero Braccio da Montone, lord of Perugia, and was sold to the Republic of Siena. In 1556, the inhabitants of Cetona surrendered without a fight to the imperial army in Tuscany, and the village was thus incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1558-69, Cetona was granted as a fief by Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici to the Vitelli family, with the Vitelli marquisate that followed. The marquisate of Cetona was a golden age for the town, which was urbanistically transformed by Gianluigi (Chiappino) Vitelli into a more pleasant center. In 1927-35, Umberto Calzoni carried out excavations in the caves of Cetona, finding artifacts from the Bronze Age. Since 2001, Cetona has been included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Monuments and places of interest
Cetona boasts beautiful architectural and artistic marvels, including churches such as the Church of Santa Maria in Belverde, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, the Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity, and the Convent of San Francesco. Also worth visiting are the Church of San Lazzaro, located in the hamlet of Piazze, and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, in the locality of Camporsevoli. Among the civil architectures, the Villa La Vagnola stands out. Among the archaeological sites, the Tomba Lattaia is of fundamental importance.
Society
In terms of numbers, Cetona has about 2500 inhabitants, some of whom are foreigners, contributing to a cosmopolitan atmosphere in the town. In 2010, the resident foreign population was 279 people.
Cetona is a place rich in charm and tradition, and a must-see for those visiting Tuscany. Its history and its architectural and artistic heritage are a hidden treasure well worth discovering.
