Guide to Lucignano in Tuscany, a medieval gem
Things to do in Lucignano in Val di Chiana
Lucignano is a tiny town in Val di Chiana located not far from the highway A1. It is a medieval village with a characteristic elliptical shape that is organized along streets that form circles (or ellipses) almost concentric. The peculiar shape of the town was defined in the 14th century by the city walls.
Lucignano Panoramic view
We get into the city centre through Porta San Giusto. On the left you’ll find a square and the Castle with its high tower.
Collegiata di San Michele Arcangelo
In front of the castle, a short ramp leads to the Collegiate church of San Michele Arcangelo. Built in 1594, the church has a latin cross planimetry. The facede is unfinished in the upper part. Inside there are some paintings (seventeeth century) and a beautiful stucco and marble altar from the early 18th century.
Collegiate church of San Michele Arcangelo
Palazzo and Museo Comunale
Behind the collegiate church, we get to the main square of the village: piazza del Tribunale. Here stands the Palazzo comunale and, on its right, the Chiesa di San Francesco.
The Palazzo comunale, adorned by some coats of arms in stone, hosts the Museo Comunale founded in 1924. This small museum displays artwork, mainly of sacred art, dated between the 14th and the 16th centuries. The most important piece of the museum is probably the so-called “Albero della Vita” (“tree of life” also known as “Tree of Lucignano”, “Tree of love” and “Golden tree”). It is a precious tree-shaped reliquary created between the 14th and the 15th centuries by goldsmiths from Siena with composite materials ranging from copper gold to coral.
Albero della Vita
Opening hours:
In Summer: thursday-sunday10.30-13.00 and 14.30-18.00
In Winter: friday-sunday10.00-13.00 and 14.30-17.30
Tickets: regular 5 euro; reduced 3 euro
Website
Chiesa di San Francesco
Buil in 13th century, the church of San Francesco has a facade marked by rowa white and grey with an elegant gothic portal. The interior is embellished with frescoes of sienese artists as Bartolo di Fredi.
How to get to Lucignano
By car:
From Florence (92Km): A1 untill the exit for Monte San Savino. Then continue on SP25, E78 and SP19.
From Arezzo (28Km): E78 and SP 19.
By bus: from Arezzo and Siena line 138 Tiemme Spa
