Seggiano

Seggiano
Comune
Comune di Seggiano
Coat of arms
Location of Seggiano
Country	Italy
Region	Tuscany
Province	Grosseto (GR)
Frazioni	Pescina
Area
• Total	49.6 km2 (19.2 sq mi)
Elevation	491 m (1,611 ft)
Population  (31 May 2009)
• Total	984
• Density	20/km2 (51/sq mi)
Demonym	Seggianesi
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	58038
Dialing code	0564

Seggiano is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Grosseto in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 100 kilometres (62 mi) south of Florence and about 40 kilometres (25 mi) northeast of Grosseto.

The center is situated on the foothills of the north-western hills of Monte Amiata in a dominating position with respect to the underlying course of the Orcia river and its tributaries, Vivo and Ente.

Seggiano borders the following municipalities: Abbadia San Salvatore, Castel del Piano, Castiglione d'Orcia.

Near Seggiano is the "Giardino di Daniel Spoerri", a sculpture garden by the artist Daniel Spoerri.

Territory

The municipality covers an area of less than 50 square kilometres (19 sq mi), between the north-west slopes of the volcanic massif of Monte Amiata and a section of the Val d'Orcia, the point at which creeps from the province of Siena towards that of Grosseto. It is bordered to the north by the municipality of Castiglione d'Orcia and the province of Siena, in the east with the same province and the municipality of Abbadia San Salvatore, while to the south and west borders the town of Castel del Piano.

With the exception of units of low hill near the beds of rivers, the region extends mainly in hilly and mountainous odds, but good exposure allows the cultivation of a species of olive, Olivastra Seggianese, called up to elevations of low mountains, managing to produce an oil of excellent quality.

History

The center was built in the early 10th century as a possession of the abbey of San Salvatore al Monte Amiata, which gave a thousand years after the rights of the Abbey of Saint Antimo.

The domination of Siena began in the second half of the 13th century, during which exerted strong influences of the Salimbeni family until the 14th and the 15th century onwards Ugurgeri.

The center remained within the territory of the Republic of Siena until 1555, when it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, following the fortunes from then on.

Monuments and places of interest

Historical center

The medieval origins can be traced in the walls built, in large part, the exterior walls of some buildings, access to the village is possible through three doors: Porta di San Gervasio, Porta degli Azzolini and Porta del Mercato.

Cisternone

Is an old collector of rainwater, recently renovated, located in the town center. The interior of this old building is designed to accept an olive plant supported by steel cables that will feed water vapor.

Religious architecture

Church of San Bartolomeo Built during the 13th century and rebuilt several times in later periods, is presented in three aisles and a 14th-century altarpiece attributed to Bulgarini, some attributed to Ugolino Lorenzetti contemporary paintings and frescoes of the 16th century.

Chiesa della Compagnia del Corpus Domini Includes San Bernardino following the transfer inside the shrine, with objects belonging to the saint, previously kept at the Convent of Colombaio. Inside are placed some paintings depicting saints.

Oratorio di San Rocco Built in the 15th century in the face of external walls, contains frescoes by the Sienese painter Girolamo di Domenico.

Shrine of Our Lady of Charity Built in the Renaissance at the foot of the country and restored in later periods. The facade in the style is trachyte Baroque; very characteristic is the dome brick. The church has a fresco placed on the portal of the Annunciation, while inside there are several altars.

Convent of Colombaio Is an old monastery located not far from Castle Potentino, was the first monastery founded by Franciscan in the province of Grosseto.

Church of Santa Maria in Villa Is situated in the locality on the outskirts of Seggiano, was built in medieval times, with gabled facade and bell tower, inside is kept a picture of the Madonna surrounded by frescoes by Francesco Nasini with figures of angels and saints.

Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua is a chapel located within the Castle Potentino

Architecture military

• Walls Seggiano

Made from 10th century, define and enclose the entire medieval village, which can be accessed through one of three doors that open along the walls.

• Castle Potentino

Is a medieval castle located a few miles downstream to the north-west of the country. The Castle, which shows signs of restructuring the Renaissance, is home to a renowned farm owned by the heirs of British writer Graham Greene.

Culture

• Inside the Town Hall is the Center for Documentation of Cultural Heritage on Permanent Land, where you can get information on works of art that you can visit in the city, including the Madonna and Child Santi of Master of Panzano and two works from the school of the brothers Nasini.
• Giardino di Daniel Spoerri, located a few kilometers from the village, is a scenic park-museum created by a Swiss artist, where are located many of his sculptures are well integrated in the environment.

Festivals and fairs

Olearie (oil festival)

In December there is the traditional Olive Festival during which you can taste local products and visit the historical monuments in the country, including the old mill recently restored and opened to the public. In addition, the City Hall hosts many conferences on the theme of food.

External links

• Giardino di Daniel Spoerri
• The roots of Seggiano, the official website to promote the area, in Italian