Trequanda
Discovering Trequanda: a charming municipality in Tuscany
Welcome to the discovery of Trequanda, a municipality located on the border between Val d'Orcia and Crete Senesi in Tuscany. With its 1182 inhabitants, this municipality has been awarded the Orange Flag of the Touring Club Italiano and is part of the National Association of Oil Cities. In 2018, it was also included in the national register of historic rural landscapes. Let's discover together the geographical, historical and artistic characteristics of this enchanting place.
Physical geography of Trequanda
Trequanda is part of the Siena province in Tuscany. Its seismic classification is zone 3, indicating low seismicity, while the climatic classification is zone E and atmospheric diffusivity is medium.
Origin of the name Trequanda
There are different theories about the name of Trequanda. Some derive the name from the Etruscan toponym "Tarkonte," a mythical Etruscan hero. Other hypotheses suggest that the name may derive from "terram quandam," meaning "a certain land," in reference to the particular character of the place.
The history of Trequanda
The origin of Trequanda dates back to the Etruscan era, as demonstrated by archaeological finds and place names. Subsequently, Trequanda came under Roman, Lombard, and Frankish domination. In 1198, the first historical mention of Trequanda was recorded. It was a fief of the Cacciaconti della Scialenga, a family of Frankish-Salic origins. In 1211, Emperor Otto IV of Brunswick granted the Cacciaconti permission to collect tolls in the court and land of Trequanda. Due to its dominant position, the municipality was often subject to interference from the Republic of Siena. In 1255, Siena imposed its jurisdiction over Trequanda.
During the war between Florence and Arezzo, the castle of Trequanda was a refuge for the Ghibellines. After the defeat of the Aretines in the Battle of Campaldino in 1289, the Guelf Siena threatened to raze the castle to the ground. In 1309, the castle was sold by the Cacciaconti to the French of Staggia Senese for 18,000 lire and definitively passed under the emblem of Siena. In 1552, Trequanda became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1774, the municipality of Trequanda joined the podesteria of Asciano with Petroio and Montisi, while Castelmuzio was united with the community in 1833. Today, the municipality of Trequanda includes the fractions of Castelmuzio and Petroio.
The symbols of Trequanda
The coat of arms of the municipality of Trequanda is blazoned "gules, three golden chalices," while the municipal banner is on a white cloth.
Places of interest in Trequanda
Trequanda is famous for its architectural and religious beauties, including:
Religious architectures
The churches of Santi Pietro e Andrea and Madonna del Sodo, both in Trequanda, are two important churches in the municipality. The church of the Compagnia dell'Immacolata Concezione is another noteworthy church.
In Castelmuzio, the church of Santa Maria Assunta, the oratory of the confraternity of the Holy Trinity and San Bernardino, and the Pieve of Santo Stefano in Cennano are suggestive sacred places.
In Petroio, the church of San Giorgio, the churches of Santi Pietro e Paolo, Madonna della Rosa, and the chapel of Madonna del Parto are worth a visit. The Abbadia Sicille, with the church of Santa Maria a Sicille, is an interesting addition to the religious places of the municipality.
Civic architectures
Among the civic architectures of Trequanda, the Palace of the Municipality and the Rocca of Trequanda are two important buildings. The Windmill Tower is an ancient dovecote built at the end of the 18th century, situated in a Quercus ilex and Cupressus forest not far from the historic center.
Conclusions
Trequanda is a charming municipality in Tuscany, boasting an ancient history and beautiful religious and civic architectures. Its fractions, Castelmuzio and Petroio, are also places full of charm and beauty. If you have the opportunity, visit Trequanda and let yourself be conquered by its tourist attractions and unique atmosphere.
