Rocca di Tentennano
Medieval fortress above Rocca d'Orcia in the Val d'Orcia, with a tower more than 20 metres high, a panoramic terrace and rooms for art exhibitions.
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About the museum
The Rocca di Tentennano overlooks the village of Rocca d'Orcia, in the municipality of Castiglione d'Orcia, on a spur of limestone rock along the Via Francigena. A settlement on the site is already recorded in 853 as property of the abbey of Monte Amiata; the first fortification dates from the 11th–12th century, when it belonged to the Tignosi family, vassals of the Aldobrandeschi.
In 1251 it passed to the Republic of Siena, and in 1274 it was handed over to the Salimbeni as security for loans linked to the Battle of Montaperti. In the 14th century the family retained control; in 1377 Saint Catherine of Siena stayed here and, according to tradition, received the gift of writing. The fortress is built of local limestone, with several curtain walls, a keep with an irregular pentagonal plan and the remains of a powder magazine.
After the donation to the State in 1971, restorations began in 1975, combining conservation of the fabric with accessibility of the interior floors. Today the tower, more than 20 metres high, hosts art exhibitions and is part of the Castiglione d'Orcia museum circuit of the Fondazione Musei Senesi, together with the Rocca Aldobrandesca and the Sala d'Arte San Giovanni. A footpath of about 300 metres from the village leads to the terrace, which offers views from Monte Amiata to Monte Cetona.
Highlights
- Tower more than 20 metres high on a limestone spur
- Panoramic terrace with views over the Val d'Orcia, from Monte Amiata to Monte Cetona
- Pentagonal keep and remains of the powder magazine
- Site linked to the stay of Saint Catherine of Siena in 1377
- Art exhibitions held in the tower
- Operated by
- Fondazione Musei Senesi
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Children aged 7 to 12 and groups of more than 10 people |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Free admission under 6; reduced ticket for ages 7 to 12. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €3 per personReduced rate for groups of more than 10 people. |
Free admission for residents of the municipality. Prices set by the Fondazione Musei Senesi for the sites in Castiglione d'Orcia (Torre di Tentennano, Rocca Aldobrandesca and Sala d'Arte San Giovanni).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The restoration made the interior floors accessible, with staircases that have metal-grating treads. The terrace is reached on foot from the village by a route of about 300 metres.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The tower stands opposite the village of Castiglione d'Orcia; from the centre of Castiglione d'Orcia it is about 300 metres on foot along a footpath.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
