The Valdichiana seen from its defenses
Towers and Fortresses crosses six municipalities, following the architecture that for centuries controlled roads, borders and valleys. The Fortezza del Girifalco dominates Cortona and offers one of the widest panoramic viewpoints in the area. The Cassero di Castiglion Fiorentino keeps its role as an ancient sentinel, while the fortified structure of Lucignano follows the particular elliptical layout of the village. Each place arose from precise military and political needs, but today it allows one to read the Valdichiana through walls, towers and strategic views. The landscape is not just a backdrop: it explains why those fortifications were built precisely there.
Six stops, centuries of conflict
The Rocca di Marciano della Chiana recalls the Battle of Scannagallo and the tensions between Florence and Siena. Monte San Savino tells of its role along the routes connecting Arezzo, Siena and Florence, while the Rocca di Civitella in Val di Chiana retains a dominant position and a history marked by sieges and resistance. The guide connects the individual monuments and shows how geography shaped regional balances. The route avoids turning the fortresses into mere photographic backdrops: each stop is placed within a network of relationships, communication routes and powers that changed over the centuries.
For lovers of history and landscape
The proposal is designed for groups of at least five participants who are enthusiasts of military history, photography and panoramic views. The programme may involve travelling and climbing, so it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and to communicate any mobility needs in advance. The guided visits and planned admissions allow the structures to be explored in depth without losing sight of the overall itinerary. Crossing six municipalities in a single narrative makes it possible to recognise differences and continuities between the defensive systems. In the end, towers and fortresses no longer appear as isolated elements, but as points on a great historical map of the Valdichiana.
What is included
- Guided visits, lasting approximately one hour for each planned stop.
- Admission to the sites and defensive structures included in the programme.
- Coordination of the itinerary for a minimum of five participants.
What is not included
- Transport and travel between locations, available on request.
- Meals and services not expressly indicated in the programme.