Sovicille

Sovicille: a small town in Tuscany

Hello everyone! Today I want to talk about Sovicille, a municipality in Tuscany, Italy, with a population of about 9,845 inhabitants. Sovicille is a place rich in history and culture, so don't miss the opportunity to visit it if you are in the area.

Sovicille: history, art, and nature in Tuscany.

Physical geography

Territory

Sovicille is located in the Montagnola Senese area and is characterized by its suggestive hilly landscapes. Additionally, it's interesting to know that the Elsa river originates from one of the village of the municipality.

Climate

Regarding the climate, Sovicille belongs to zone D of the Italian climate classification and has an average atmospheric diffusivity.

Origin of the name

The place name Sovicille probably derives from "sub" (under) and "ficinulae" (diminutive form of "ficus"), or from "Suavis locus ille", which means "that sweet place".

History

The history of Sovicille has ancient and fascinating origins. In fact, there are prehistoric hill forts in the area that probably date back to the Neolithic period. Furthermore, according to some sources, the name "Siena" comes from a multicentric community of Etruscans who lived in the area. Sovicille also played an important role in the Middle Ages as it was on the border between the diocese of Siena and that of Volterra. In that period, the city was influenced by the municipality of Siena, which closely controlled it.

What to see in Sovicille

If you have decided to visit Sovicille, there are some attractions that you must see. Firstly, the parish church of San Giovanni Battista is an interesting church from an artistic and architectural point of view, but also for the archaeological evidence found there, such as the mosaic from the Roman Empire period. Additionally, the parish church of San Giusto a Balli is worth a visit. It is a smaller religious building than the parish church of San Giovanni Battista, but no less suggestive.

Curiosities

Did you know that Sovicille is the birthplace of "pallonaro"? In fact, this typical Tuscan dessert was born here. Additionally, if you are a fan of trekking, the hilly area of Sovicille offers many opportunities for excursions and enjoying breathtaking views.

In short, Sovicille is an interesting and charming town to discover step by step. Visit Sovicille and I recommend not forgetting to taste the "pallonaro", it's worth it!

Elisa Lombardi
Updated Monday, Jun 13, 2022