4 July 2011
Caterina Pomini
9415
First mentioned in 978, the Fortress of Radicofani occupies the highest point of a hill overlooking the Via Cassia/Francigena, the famous pilgrimage route connecting France to Rome. Over the centuries, it was the subject of many territorial disputes between Siena, the local aristocracy and the Pope.
In 1290, it was occupied and conquered by Ghino di Tacco, an outlaw hero who is still considered as the Italian Robin Hood:
from the hill of Radicofani, Ghino ambushed travellers, established the nature of the goods they were carrying and robbed them of almost everything worth stealing; however, he allowed poor people and students to pass without stealing their money or belongings.
Today, the Radicofani fortress is open to the public and offers fantastic views over the Val d'Orcia and the Monte Amiata; the small, ancient village of the same name stands at its foot.
THIS SECTION
IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
