Staggia
Let's discover Staggia Senese together
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Staggia Senese, a beautiful hamlet in the municipality of Poggibonsi, in the province of Siena, Tuscany. Let's discover its history and its monuments together!
History
The name Staggia could derive from the Latin ''Staius'', or from the Germanic ''stadjan'' which means to establish, stop, or decree, and therefore by extension: a place where one has settled. The first historical mention of the village dates back to 994, when there was a village with a fortress that was owned by the Soarzi family. Later, the village and its fortress also had an important commercial role, being located on the Via Francigena. In 1295, Guido della Foresta, known as ''dei Franzesi'', acquired Sienese citizenship and bought the possessions of Staggia.
Under the Franzi family, the village of Staggia and its castle were at the center of the various wars of the 14th century in Tuscany. In 1361, the Republic of Florence took control of it and ensured that the fortifications remained active: the fortress and the perimeter walls. The Rocca di Staggia also became famous for the peace treaty signed in its hall in 1360 between Florence and Siena. With the advent of artillery in the early 1500s, the fortress lost its importance.
Monuments and places of interest
The historic center of Staggia Senese is still almost completely enclosed by walls, with the exception of two "cuts" existing at the north and south entrances of Via Romana. The walls are equipped with a walkway supported by stone corbels and interspersed with towers of various shapes, visible from XXV Aprile and XXIV Maggio streets. Among the religious buildings, the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo with its precious Romanesque-Gothic facade is certainly a must-see. The Soarzi Palace, whose construction dates back to the 15th century, is now used as the town hall.
Curiosities
Did you know that the adjective "Senese" was introduced only in the post-unitary period to distinguish this inhabited center from Staggia Modenese, a hamlet of the municipality of San Prospero? And that in March 1431, the architect Filippo Brunelleschi oversaw the fortification works of Staggia?
Conclusion
That's all you need to know about Staggia Senese! If you're looking for a quiet place to spend a holiday surrounded by nature and history, this hamlet of Poggibonsi is undoubtedly the right choice. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the historic center, its walls, the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo, and the Soarzi Palace. I hope that this brief guide has been helpful, and if you have any questions or curiosities, do not hesitate to comment!
