Torri: Medieval Borgo and the Via dei 4 Borghi

Torri Between the Borgo and the Abbey

Torri preserves its intact medieval character. The abbey played a major role in the development of the walled Borgo di Torri; its community is documented as early as 1208. Those exploring the village therefore encounter an architectural complex in which history is reflected in its fortifications, sacred buildings and preserved details.

Abbey, Cloister and Romanesque Churches

The Abbey of Torri includes a 14th-century basilica. The cloister was reopened to visitors after restoration work. In the Chiostro di Torri, the second level is made of terracotta, while the third is constructed of wood and probably dates from the late 14th century. The different materials give the building a clearly recognizable character of its own.

Art and Architectural Details

On an altar on the right-hand side of the Chiesa di Santa Mustiola is Luca di Tommè’s panel Madonna and Child. The Pieve di Santa Mustiola still preserves its Romanesque single-nave structure with a wooden roof. It is accessed through a Gothic pointed-arch portal; the architrave is richly carved with plant motifs and heads. In Torri, painting, Romanesque church architecture and Gothic stonework thus come together within a compact thematic setting.

Traces of Earlier Community Life

On Torri’s main square still stands the old oven, blackened by smoke, in which bread was baked for the entire community. A covered passage from the main square served as the entrance to the former Abbey of Santissima Trinità. Both details draw attention to the communal and historical function of the place, without reducing Torri to a collection of individual sights.

The Via dei 4 Borghi and Alto Merse

The Via dei 4 Borghi uses the existing network of paths to connect Orgia with Torri. On the way to Torri, it passes through a mixed forest of chestnut trees and along the source of the Busso. After five kilometres, the Via dei 4 Borghi reaches Podere Calcinari and there enters the Alto Merse Nature Reserve. For your trip planning, this provides, alongside the historic village setting, a landscape focus featuring woodland, a spring and a protected area.

Torri as a Travel Choice

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Torri, you can therefore weigh up different interests: the abbey, churches and preserved medieval character represent culture and local history, while the Via dei 4 Borghi focuses on nature and activity. Torri can thus be viewed as a destination for a trip in which historic architecture and paths through the landscape stand side by side.

More Destinations

For further orientation, you can also select Torrita Di Siena, Casole D'elsa, Chianciano Terme, Montepulciano, Megognano, Asciano, Colle di Val dElsa and Chiusdino.

For the higher-level travel overview: Siena.