Discover Torniella: Castle History, Forest Trails and Palla a 21

Torniella combines a hilltop town center with woodland, historic traces and a distinctive local gaming tradition. From the hill, there are views over the Farma River valley; chestnut and holm oak forests surround the town. Visible remains of the medieval castle complex, the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the 1613 cistern provide several cultural points of interest for exploration.

Church and Sacred Art

The Church of San Giovanni Battista stands on the hill above the town. Its Franciscan style is reflected in a single portal, a single-nave layout, a wooden-beam ceiling and a presbytery raised above the level of the church. The building was constructed in the 15th century. According to tradition, stones from the former parish church of Santa Maria, located outside the walls, were used for its construction. The church also houses a 16th-century Madonna and Child attributed to Vincenzo Rustici.

Castle Complex and Medieval Traces

Torniella’s past goes back further: as early as the 11th century, the town can be traced as a hub on the road from Siena to Grosseto. Impressive remains of the medieval castle complex are still visible in the highest part of the town. The castle originally belonged to the Aldobrandeschi family and passed into the territories of the Republic of Siena after a seven-day siege. The Sienese rebuilt Torniella’s walls and fortifications between the late 13th and early 14th centuries; visible sections still delimit the original part of the town today.

The 1613 cistern in Torniella’s Borgo was recently restored.

Mountains and Historic Sites Nearby

Monte Alto and Poggio del Casino are located in the immediate vicinity of Torniella. The surrounding area also includes Monte Sassoforte, Poggio le Soline, Castello Di Montemassi, the ruins of the Abbey of San Galgano and Castiglion Che Dio Sol Sa castle. Castello di Capraia is located in the wider regional area around Torniella.

Walking Trails Through Forests and Pastureland

Two trails are particularly relevant for nature and hiking: the Itinerari della Trachite - Itinerario di Torniella is a hiking trail that leads into the Torniella district. The Itinerario Naturalistico Toscano: nelle terre dei fiumi runs mainly along paths and cart tracks through forests and pastures. Thus, both the Trachite itinerary route leading to Torniella and a route characterized by woodland and pastureland are central points of interest.

Palla a 21: A Distinctive Gaming Tradition

Palla a 21 is a distinctive cultural feature. The game is still played in Torniella; depending on the location, it is also called Palla Eh!. In the province of Grosseto, Torniella hosts regular gatherings and tournaments for this form of Palla a 21, which take place mainly in summer.

Discover More Places

You can also explore other places: Ribolla, Montemassi, Roccatederighi, Sticciano Scalo, Montelattaia and Sassofortino.

For the higher-level travel overview: Roccastrada.