Castello di Montarrenti, Medieval fortress in Sovicille, Italy
Castello di Montarrenti is a fortified hilltop settlement near Sovicille with remains of stone walls and towers from the medieval period. The ruins show multiple construction phases uncovered through archaeological investigation.
The settlement began between 650 and 750 as a village of wooden huts protected by timber barriers, later developing into a fortified castle. Control gradually shifted to Siena during the 12th century as the site gained military importance.
The castle served as a regional storage center for agricultural products during the Carolingian period, indicating its economic importance for the area.
The site is best reached from Siena by following the SS73 road and turning right after the Rosia village. The walk to the ruins passes through rural farmland with some marked paths for visitors.
The area contained deposits of silver ore that were actively extracted starting in the 12th century, boosting local prosperity. These mineral resources played a key role in the region's economic development for centuries to come.
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