Fortezza di Montalcino
Fortezza di Montalcino historical timeline
Last updated on October 14, 2026- the 13th century — structures already stand on the site, together with an ancient basilica dedicated to San Egidio. Among them are the mastio di San Martino and the torrione di San Giovanni.
- — construction of the fortress begins, willed by the Sienese, under the direction of the Sienese architects Mino Foresi and Domenico di Feo. The earlier structures, and the left nave of the basilica, are incorporated into the new building.
- — the fortress is completed and castellans are installed, the first of them Francesco Sozzini.
- — the siege of 1553, one of numerous engagements the fortress saw.
- — on 2 August the Sienese are defeated at the battle of Scannagallo, also known as the battle of Marciano.
- — on 17 April, after a siege, Siena surrenders. Part of the Sienese, to preserve the existence of the Republic, take refuge in Montalcino — a town ringed by a complete circuit of walls and holding a notable defensive work, this fortress — and give life to the Repubblica di Siena riparata in Montalcino.
- — on 31 July, despite every effort, Montalcino and its fortress surrender. The Republic of Siena ends here, four years after Siena itself fell.
- after 1559 — the bastione di San Giovanni is built to the south-west, outside the fortress and joined to it by a door.
- the mid-20th century — a legend is still current that a tunnel ran from the cellars of the torrione di San Giovanni, passable even by mule-drawn carts, to a farmhouse across the valley, bringing in the provisions that let the defenders hold out; an earthquake is said to have partly collapsed it. The source records this as a legend, and so does this page.
- today — the bastione carries a small park planted as a garden of holm oaks, the tree that probably gives Montalcino its name.
Verified against Wikipedia, October 2026.