Chiusdino, Italian comune
Chiusdino is a small commune on a hilltop in the Province of Siena, with narrow streets and buildings made of red and white stone. The medieval settlement is surrounded by ancient walls and gates, with the Porta Senese being an ancient entrance that still stands today.
The area was settled since the 6th century BC, as shown by burial sites from the late Etruscan period, and was later fortified by the Longobards. In the 12th century the center began to grow and came under the control of Siena after the Bishop of Siena acquired land there in the early 1200s.
The name Chiusdino comes from the Longobard period and refers to a fortified settlement that once provided protection. The Church of San Michele Arcangelo at the center has been a gathering place for the community for over a thousand years and holds relics of Saint Galgano, a figure deeply rooted in local tradition.
The town is located a few kilometers from Siena and can be easily explored on foot or by bike, with several walking trails in the surrounding area such as the Sentiero della Merse. It is best to visit in early morning hours when the streets are quieter and the sun lights the old stones favorably.
The church holds a remarkable reliquary containing the skull of Saint Galgano, a 12th-century figure whose legend connects to a sword embedded in stone. This link to an almost medieval tale deeply rooted in local history makes the place interesting for those exploring old traditions and local stories.
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