Monticiano
Welcome to Monticiano! Let's Explore This Tuscan Municipality Together
Monticiano is a small municipality located in the province of Siena, in Tuscany. With a population of only 1579 inhabitants, this place offers tranquility and scenic beauty. In this text, I will guide you to discover Monticiano, through its geography, history, monuments and places of interest, and society.
Physical Geography
Territory
Monticiano is located on the Metalliferous Hills, on the right bank of the Merse river valley, 40 km south of Siena. The municipal territory of Monticiano is about 85 km2 and its altitude ranges from 50 to 400 meters above sea level.
Climate
The climate of Monticiano is pleasant and moderate, with average temperatures ranging from 9°C in January to 24°C in July. The climate of Monticiano is characterized by an average atmospheric diffusivity, according to the studies of Ibimet CNR 2002.
History
The history of Monticiano dates back to the medieval period. The community originated as a medieval podestà and was modified in the 12th and 13th centuries following its enfeoffment. In 1189, the castle of Monticiano was subject to the jurisdiction of the bishop of Volterra, Ildebrando Pannocchieschi. Emperor Frederick II of Swabia confirmed this right in 1224. However, Monticiano became the subject of claims by the Republic of Siena, which, due to the hospitality given to the defeated Ghibelline exiles in the Battle of Benevento in 1266, occupied it with arms and demolished the walls and the fortress of Castelvecchio.
In 1554, Monticiano came under the Medici government during the War of Siena, which capitulated in 1555. In 1629, Grand Duke Ferdinand II de' Medici detached Monticiano and offered it as a fief to Count Orso Pannocchieschi d'Elci. In 1749, the lordship of the Pannocchieschi ended, but they remained owners of large stretches of land.
During World War II, Monticiano was the base for the first organization of the Sienese partisan nuclei and became the operating area of the Garibaldi Brigades "Spartaco Lavagnini". Scalvaia was the scene of the Scalvaia Massacre of the zone: the execution, as a reprisal for the killing of a member of the Republican National Guard, of 10 young men who had given themselves to hiding to avoid the military draft. Among the military actions, of particular relevance was the clash between partisans and Germans that took place in the night between 3 and 4 June 1944 in the town square, during which two young people from Monticiano were killed.
In the institutional referendum of 1946, out of 2016 voters, the votes in favor of the republic were 1468, those in favor of the monarchy 424, and the blank ballots 121.
Honors
Monticiano is invested in the honorary title of "City of Resistance" for its particular relevance in the partisan struggle during World War II.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious architecture
Monticiano boasts several churches of great cultural and artistic interest, including the Church of Saints Giusto and Clemente, the Church of the Blessed Antonio Patrizi, the Church of the Compagnia della Misericordia in San Lorenzo a Merse, the Parish Church of San Lorenzo a Merse, the Church of San Biagio in Scalvaia, the Church of the Castle of Tocchi, the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Tocchi, and the Church of Saints Filippo and Giacomo in Il Santo.
Natural areas
Monticiano is surrounded by a natural landscape of great beauty, including the Tocchi Nature Reserve and the Petriolo Thermal Baths, located on the municipal borders in the waters of the Farma river, which marks the boundary between the provinces of Grosseto and Siena.
Society
Demographic Evolution
The population of Monticiano is constantly decreasing. In 1981, the Municipality had 2363 inhabitants, while in 2021 it has stabilized at 1579 inhabitants.
Ethnic and Foreign Minorities
According to ISTAT data as of December 31, 2009, the foreign population residing in the Municipality of Monticiano was 370 people. The most representative foreign communities are those from Morocco, Albania, and Romania.
Conclusions
Monticiano is a place of great charm, with a long history rich in events that have left an indelible trace in its culture and identity. Its monuments and natural areas are definitely worth a visit to discover the authentic spirit of this part of Tuscany. Come to Monticiano and discover for yourself its hidden beauties!
