Torrita di Siena


Torrita di Siena is a comune in the Province of Siena in the Italian region Tuscany, located about southeast of Florence and about southeast of Siena.
Torrita di Siena borders the following municipalities: Cortona, Montepulciano, Pienza, Sinalunga, Trequanda.
The most important event in Torrita di Siena is the "Palio dei Somari", a race among donkeys, the Sundays after 19 March.

History

The name "Torrita" appears for the first time on a code amiatino of 1037. The castle subject to the sovereignty and defense of the Republic of Siena was protected by a wall equipped with towers square and four gates: Porta a Pago, Porta Gavina, Porta Nuova and Porta a Sole. It was advanced stronghold Siena in the fight against Montepulciano; Later, in 1554, it was conquered by Florence and subject to the power of the Medici.
Since the beginning of the 20th century saw an economic development for Torrita di Siena, especially with regard to the crafts and woodworking.