Belforte
Belforte: a medieval village rich in history and interesting places
Belforte is a small hamlet in the municipality of Radicondoli, in the province of Siena, which encompasses a great history and a series of monuments and places of interest not to be missed.
History
The village of Belforte has medieval origins, as a castle feud of the Aldobrandeschi counts, who later submitted to the Republic of Siena. In 1382, the first statute of the country was drafted. Over the centuries, Belforte underwent several social and economic transformations, ranging from the rule of the Medici to Grand Duchess Maria Luisa of Austria. Today, the village has a population of 226 inhabitants.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architecture
The Pieve of Santa Maria Assunta is the parish church of the village, built in the 14th century. Inside, it is possible to admire the paintings of Alessandro Casolani, including the "Madonna della Cintola with San Girolamo and Sant'Antonio" and "Maria Vergine annunciata". The parish covers a territory of 317 inhabitants.
The Church of the Company of Santa Croce dates back to the 17th century and is located on the main street of the village.
Civil architecture
The Palazzo Pubblico is a building that dates back to the 13th century and was originally the home of the lord of the castle. Only later, it was transformed into a public palace and justice. Currently, it houses the house of memory l'Aquilante.
Other monuments and places of interest
The Fountain of Belforte is a work of the Sienese artist Alberto Inglesi, located in the square at the entrance of the village.
The Viale della Rimembranza is a road that leads to the cemetery of the village and was built at the end of the First World War. Today, only the original two rows of cypress trees on either side and two stone cippi remain, one bearing the dates of the beginning and end of the war, and the other with other inscriptions now illegible.
In conclusion, Belforte is a gem of the province of Siena, rich in history and interesting places to discover. If you are in the area, do not miss the opportunity to visit it and immerse yourself in the medieval and Renaissance atmosphere that characterizes it.
