© Cesare Moroni

Montepescali is a medieval town situated at the top of a hill covered with olive groves, a few kilometres from Grosseto.

Starting from the 11^th century, it was owned by the Aldobrandeschi family. Having constituted itself as a free Commune during the 12^th century, Montepescali placed itself under the military protection of Siena that then took possession of the town at the beginning of the 14^th century. In 1378, the powerful Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala di Siena, organised a “grancia” there, i.e. a farm under ecclesiastic management.

A large part of the ancient walls, with staggered towers, has been preserved; two gateways mark the boundaries of the entrances to the town: Porta Vecchia, facing the flatland and the sea, is located alongside a lovely circular tower, Torre del Belvedere; Porta Nuova, to the north, was opened during the 17^th century. Rising near the latter structure is the Torre del Guascone, which took its name from the captain of a band of men who defended Montepescali during the war against the Medicea troops in the 16^th century.

In Piazza del Cassero, where the ancient castle and main public buildings were located, now stands Palazzo dei Priori and the ancient keep with the clock tower; in the 15^th century, the latter was equipped with a valuable mechanical clock, run by a wheel mechanism, and with a bell weighing about 800 kilograms, which the Sienese family of Tolomei had cast in memory of Pia de’ Tolomei. The clock was lost during the course of the centuries, but was traced in Geneva in the Museum of Art and History, where it remains to date.

The Aldobrandeschi Family

Montepescali, Church of St. Stephen and St. Lawrence (Grosseto)

Montepescali, Church of San Niccolò (Grosseto)

Pia de' Tolomei