CASTELLO DI TRICERCHI

The estate extends on the north side of Montalcino for 400 hectares, 13 of which are planted with vineyards. In the center stands the Castle, built in the 13th century by the Altesi family, and completed in 1441 by the Tricerchi family. It constituted

The estate extends on the north side of Montalcino for 400 hectares, 13 of which are planted with vineyards. In the center stands the Castle, built in the 13th century by the Altesi family, and completed in 1441 by the Tricerchi family. It constituted an important bulwark for pilgrims who traveled to Rome along the Via Francigena. Numerous decorative and structural motifs are attributed to Baldassarre Peruzzi. The Castle was occupied by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century, who erected it as their stronghold. Returning to the Tricerchi family, he again served to give refuge and protection to those who went on pilgrimage to the Holy See. In the 16th century, the noble chapel, originally located within the fortified walls (as evidenced by the bell tower) was moved to the end of the opposite driveway, and dedicated to the Virgin of the Veil. A fragment of the Veil, certified by the Papal Bull, is still kept in the Church. With d.m. 1982, Castello Altesi was declared part of the Italian historical-artistic heritage. The Tricerchi family was part of the Sienese oligarchy, as evidenced by its belonging to the Monte dei Nove which, starting from the 12th century, monopolized power in Siena. Its members were Provveditori delle Biccherne, a body recognized by the Constitution, which dealt with the finances of the Republic, and was headed by the Monks of San Galgano (considered, as such, more difficult to corrupt). Under the Grand Duchy, they were elevated to noble rank and continued to perform important tasks in the service of public organization, from recruitment to procurement, to culture. The Tricerchi, Men of Harme, participated in the military exploits of the city, including the battle of Monteaperti on 4 September 1260. Among them we remember Alessandro, Cavalier degli Alti Pensieri, whose motto was "non in latera pro nos". Carlo Tricerchi, in the seventeenth century, was a patron and dedicated himself to the care of the arts. Evidence of this is a painting made in 1650, inspired by the nativity, which portrays him with his family. In 1820 the last of the Tricerchi, Porzia, married Baron Finetti. Having no direct descent, the Castle passed to the Falzacappa nephews and from Maddalena (Nena) to the eldest son Giulio (Iulio) Squarcia.