Rocca di Tentennano
Rocca di Tentennano, Military museum fortress in Rocca d'Orcia, Italy.
Rocca di Tentennano is a limestone fortress perched on a steep rocky pinnacle above Val d'Orcia, featuring thick defensive walls and a pentagonal observation tower. The structure spans multiple levels and uses the natural shape of the hill as an additional defensive layer.
The fortress was controlled by Siena between 1250 and 1258, during which time the city strengthened its fortifications by reinforcing stones and replacing a damaged tower. These early reinforcements established it as a key defensive position in the region during the medieval period.
The fortress is closely linked to Saint Catherine of Siena, who sought refuge here in 1377 and developed her literacy skills during her time at the location. This connection has shaped how locals and pilgrims view the significance of this place.
The walk to the fortress entrance follows a cypress-lined path starting from a parking area at the base of the hill. The path is navigable on foot but requires moderate physical effort due to the steep incline.
Inside the fortress is a water system featuring a large cistern carved into the rock that collected rainwater during military operations. This water storage system reveals how carefully the defensive infrastructure was designed to withstand prolonged sieges.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Abbey of Sant'Antimo
8.1 km
Madonna di Vitaleta chapel
7 km
Cipressi di San Quirico d'Orcia
7.3 km
Santi Quirico e Giulitta
5.7 km
Horti Leonini
5.5 km
Parco naturale dei Mulini
2 km
Castle of Spedaletto
5 km
Chiesa della Madonna di Vitaleta
5.6 km
Santa Maria Assunta
5.4 km
San Giovanni Battista
2.1 km
San Biagio a Vignoni
3 km
Pieve dei Santi Stefano e Degna
539 m
Oratorio della Misericodia
5.8 km
Santa Maria Maddalena
406 m
San Niccolò a Spedaletto
5 km
Madonna delle Querce
4.5 km
San Simeone
125 m
Madonna delle Grazie di Manno
153 m
San Sebastiano
144 m
San Giovanni Battista
399 m
Ponte di Pian di Maggio
6.3 km
Ponte delle Mille miglia
5.7 km
Podere Belvedere (San Quirico d’Orcia)
5.9 km
Sala d'Arte di San Giovanni
404 m
Porta di Vignoni
3 km
Palazzo Chigi Zondadari
5.7 km
Veteran Quercus ilex in Poggio Rosa
3.8 km
Door to cappuccini
5.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes