Water features of Siena
An itinerary to discover the medieval fountains and the "fontanine di contrada"
Siena, unlike Florence, has suffered from water scarcity. Water arrived in town through underground canals called “bottini” and the population had access to these water from a number of beautiful fountains.
We will spend the our time discovering the most interesting places in the city, right where the Sienese fountains were built. Such points of interest have affected the life and economic activities and are also interesting from an architectural point of view.
We will also see some "fontanine di Contrada". These fountains are not part of the medieval urban structure but were built immediately after the post-war period. Valuable sculptures made by local artists and craftsmen, they are a part of the sacred institution of life of the Siena contrade. In fact, the waters of these fountains are used to consecrate the status of “Contradaiolo” of Sienese citizens, when they are "baptized" during the feast of the patron saint of the district.
Prices include
Guided tour with a qualified local guide.
The duration of the tour is 3 hours. The tour will take place outside. The tour is reserved for a maximum of 15 people. The visit is suitable for children.
Adults: full price. Children up to 6 years: free.
The price in Euro (€.140,00) is intended for the guide service of 3 hours and not per person. The payment can be made via money transfer in advance, at least 3 days before the date of the visit.
Date, time will be arranged at the time of booking. The reservation by e-mail is obligatory.
Notes: In compliance with the provisions for COVID-19 prevention indicated by the Tuscany Region, customers must wear mask and bring the sanitizer gel.
Supplemental charges
Lunches, museum tickets, earphones/audio systems. Everything that is outside the guided tour.
Meeting point
Plan
The tour begins at the most impressive fountain and the richest in water: Fontebranda.
From there we will visit the “Fontanina” of the Contrada dell’Aquila ( Eagle District) arriving to Fonte del Casato. Our next stop will be the monumental fountain of Piazza del Campo: Fonte Gaia and Fonte del Mercato.
After this we will reach the Jewish quarter to visit Fonte del Ghetto, then we will walk along Via dell’Oro to see Fonte di San Giusto.
As the tour continues, we will see the beautiful “Fontanina” of the Contrada della Torre (Tower District) and Fonte di San Maurizio or Ponte di Romana , then the “Fontanina” of the Contrada del Leocorno (Unicorn District).
Our final visit will be to “Fontanina” of the Contrada della Civetta (Owl District).
