Lucignano
Lucignano: a Tuscan gem
Lucignano is a small municipality of just over 3000 inhabitants located in the charming region of Tuscany, in the province of Arezzo. Recently, the town became part of the Association of the most beautiful villages in Italy, a recognition that confirms the beauty and artistic value of the inhabited centre.
Breathtaking scenery
Lucignano stands on a hill 400 meters above sea level, surrounded by lush nature that makes it the ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquillity. The communal area is bordered by Monte San Savino to the north, Marciano della Chiana and Foiano della Chiana to the east, Sinalunga to the south, and Rapolano Terme to the west. It can be divided into two distinct areas: the central area, mostly hilly, and the peripheral areas, flat, with rich crops of cereals and flowers. Thanks to its fortunate location, Lucignano has become a crossroads between the cities of Arezzo, Siena and Perugia, remaining strong and proud over the centuries.
A bit of history
Lucignano, like the entire Valdichiana, had an important Etruscan presence, only to fall under the domination of ancient Rome. In the Middle Ages, Arezzo, Perugia and Siena alternated, with the latter making the ancient village a fortress, equipping it with a remarkably preserved wall and a fortress to guard the city. In the sixteenth century, Florence conquered Siena and settled in Lucignano, creating the Fortezza and developing the city, which became Medicean. In the seventeenth century, the nearby locality "del Calcione" was elevated to a marquisate in favour of the Lotteringhi of the Stufa, who held it until the abolition of the grand ducal fiefs in 1749.
The Coat of Arms
The communal coat of arms of Lucignano has a strong bond with the Perugian past of the fortress. It consists of a griffin, in analogy with the symbol of the Umbrian capital, and a star, indicating that the city is located on a hill. The red background of the coat of arms adds elegance and nobility to the whole, characteristics that suit the Tuscan village well.
Lucignano is one of the most fascinating places in Tuscany, where tourists can rediscover art and the beauty of nature, immersing themselves in an atmosphere of times gone by. Among its peculiarities is the Church of San Francesco, which houses, in addition to sculptures and paintings, the Sacred Nail, which is one of the fragments of the Cross on which Jesus was put to death. Visiting it is an unforgettable experience for those who love art and spirituality. Also noteworthy is the Church of San Biagio, for its elliptical shape and three-aisled interior, which houses some precious frescoes of the Sienese school.
The treasure of Lucignano
An absolute wonder that captures visitors' attention is the Civic Archaeological and Sacred Art Museum, a gem set in the heart of the historic centre. Here, important works of art from different periods can be admired, including the tondo by Bartolo di Fredi, a splendid late Byzantine icon or the Madonna with Child sculpted by Tino di Camaino. The museum also houses an extremely important collection of ancient coins from the Etruscan and Roman periods and the Contemporary Art Gallery, which exhibits works by important 20th-century artists.
Visiting Lucignano is an experience that reminds everyone of the value of a common cultural heritage, to be safeguarded and enhanced. The village is a real treasure trove of historical and artistic treasures that deserve particular attention because they are jealously guarded by the spirit of its inhabitants.
