Sovicille

A "SWEET SPOT" IN THE MIDDLE OF TUSCANY

Sovicille, a small municipality of the province of Siena, is located among the rolling hills of Central Tuscany, in the area of the lower Valdarno. Its name derives from the Latin suavis locus ille "that sweet spot" from Greek sukon-sicon, flower of the fig tree, because of the many fig trees that grow in the area.

Sovicille, was originally a territory dominated by the Republic of Siena and in 1500 it became a fief of the Medici family. The economy of Sovicille, until the 20th century was based on agriculture, livestock, but also on the marble extraction and processing of iron.

Notable is the Palazzo Pretorio, built in 1600, who still holds the coat of arms of the noble families Niccolini and Forts. Are numerous castles, country houses and churches dot the area around Sovicille. Of value are the Palazzone of Sovicille and the Palazzaccio di Toiano, but also the castles of Celsa, Cerreto Selva and the Molini del Pero and the Palace.

Ponte della Pia, with the typical structure barette, lies between Chiusdino and Sovicille. Dating back to Roman times it was rebuilt in the middle ages to be able to more easily reach the Hermitage of Santa Lucia.

 

Tradition and Typical products

The culinary tradition of Sovicille is linked to that of Siena. The sweets are panforte, panpepato, ricciarelli and cavallucci and Carnival are cenci are fried.