Isola D'arbia
Isola d'Arbia: A Populous Fraction of Siena
If you are in Tuscany and looking for a charming place to visit, why not make a trip to the fraction of Isola d'Arbia? Located just 10 km from Siena and 70 km from Grosseto and Florence, this fraction has approximately 1060 residents and is the second most populous fraction of the municipality of Siena.
Physical Geography
Isola d'Arbia is situated in a plain between the Arbia and Tressa streams, giving it a unique atmosphere. If you are a nature enthusiast, Isola d'Arbia is definitely the right place for you.
History
The name 'isola' (island) derives from the location of the village, which was formerly isolated from the rest of the mainland due to a bend in the Arbia riverbed. The locality was fortified by Siena for the defense of the city and was attacked by Arezzo in 1288 and raided by the mercenary companies of Giovanni Acuto in 1364.
Isola d'Arbia had 125 inhabitants in 1845, but the number of residents has slowly increased up to today thanks to post-war urban development.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Given its interesting history, Isola d'Arbia is also rich in monuments and places of interest.
Religious Architecture
The small church of Sant'Ilario in Isola is a Romanesque church located in the center of the village and documented since 1081.
Civil Architecture
You can also visit the Poverelli Hospital of Biagio Tolomei and the San Niccolò dei Cinughi Hospital, two medieval structures from the 14th century, now converted into private residences. If you are interested in the agricultural history of the area, the Salteano Farm and La Grancia are definitely worth a visit. The Salteano Farm dates back to at least the year 1000 and we can certainly document its existence from 1186 onwards. La Grancia, on the other hand, has a history dating back to 1276 and is located near the village in the locality of La Piaggia.
Infrastructure and Transport
If you want to visit Isola d'Arbia, you are in luck because the fraction is well served by an urban bus line, nº 2. In the past, Isola d'Arbia had its own railway station, but this is no longer in use today.
Conclusion
If you love Tuscany and the countryside, Isola d'Arbia is the perfect destination for a day trip. You can visit the historic area of the fraction, stroll along the streams, and admire the historical buildings. We look forward to welcoming you to the fraction of Isola d'Arbia!
