Cetona, Italian comune
Cetona is a small commune in the Province of Siena in southern Tuscany, situated on gentle hills surrounded by fields and forests. The town features ancient stone buildings and narrow winding streets from many centuries past, with the Rocca fortress sitting above the winding lanes on a hilltop.
People have inhabited Cetona for over 50,000 years, making it one of the oldest settlements in the region. The town was later fortified and received its present square in the mid-1500s when Marquis Vitelli reshaped it to make the town appear welcoming and important.
The name Cetona refers to an ancient word for mountain. In the main square, locals and visitors gather at cafes and shops where the daily rhythm of the town unfolds. The narrow streets show how residents have lived and maintained their community for centuries.
The best time to visit is spring or fall when the weather is mild. Visitors should take their time exploring the streets on foot and enjoying the slow pace of the town, as traffic is limited and the old center is safer for walkers.
The Corsa delle Brocche is a race where residents from the town's three districts carry clay jugs filled with water around the square, a tradition rooted in medieval times when water had to be carefully balanced during local conflicts. This colorful event reveals the community's cohesion and its living connection to the past.
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