This beautiful medieval tower lies south-west of Siena, at the foot of the forested hills that end Siena's agricultural plains. It was first mentioned in 1202, but the location has been inhabited since Etruscan times, before the Roman conquered the area. Today the tower has been converted into four beautiful apartments that all enjoy the privileged position in the landscape that the tower was built to take advantage of.
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Metal hills of Tuscany
The hills between Siena and the Tuscan coast here are known as the "metal hills", rich in various metals, from iron ore to fools gold, lead, copper and even silver. During the middle-ages the river Merse was harnessed to power the crushing of metal ores, as well as for the more common use as flour mills - the tall and imposing tower of Stigliano was part of the fortifications needed to protect these important early-industrial activities around Siena.
Historical walks and wild swimming
This is a wonderful place to stay for those interested in history, starting from the nearby "Chiostro di Torri", a well-preserved medieval cloister in the nearby village of Torri.
There are great walks exploring the hills behind the tower, including one of my favourite, a walk that reaches a castle hidden in the folds of the dark green hills cloaked in evergreen oaks, a castle known locally as the "Castiglion che Dio sol sa" (The Castle that only God knows)! Walk to the castle, then descend into the valley below and you'll find one of Siena's early mills. Follow the valley out and you'll reach the river Merse with some magical spots for wild swimming.
