San Lorenzo a Linari, a sixteenth-century residence
at the center of epic battles
San Lorenzo a Linari is a noble residence that shows even today
the signs of its numerous inhabitants and its various uses throughout history.
San Lorenzo a Linari, a sixteenth-century residence
at the center of epic battles
Starting with the first traces of Etruscans settlements to the latest eighteen-century events, its rich artistic heritage tells us about daring chivalric feats, tears, and songs of praise.
Set in the wonderful Sienese landscape, the residence is permeated with an earthy scented air and with the warm colors reflecting the golden light of the surrounding countryside.
The history of San Lorenzo a Linari is lost in time; the residence was built on an original Etruscan settlement and over the centuries it was probably a medieval monastery then converted in a noble residence during the splendor of the sixteenth-century Renaissance, and subsequently enriched by other architectural and decorative elements in the eighteenth century.
The complex is located on a hill and its low walls enclose the main building, a sturdy construction with an internal courtyard embellished by a well, and other buildings, including a small church.
Surrounded by large lawns, the residence is the ideal place to listen to the voice of history to learn about the feats of the knights who rode their steeds in these lands.
The noble residence was renovated in the first half of the sixteenth century by Architect Baldassarre Peruzzi, who left a strong sign throughout the Sienese territory.
Some typical elements of his style are the airy loggias, the partition through pilasters, and the terracotta face bricks, typical elements for many buildings in the area.
At that time, the territory of Siena was at the center of political maneuvers that resulted in epic battles: thousands of infantrymen and knights crossed the hills, challenged each other, and left indelible marks as deep as a scar.
In memory of those clashes, some stone coats of arms decorate a wall of the internal courtyard of San Lorenzo a Linari: it is a visible track of the struggles between the De’ Medici Family and the defenders of the Republic of Siena.
An echo of the greater European conflict between the Kingdom of France of Catherine De’ Medici and the Empire of Charles V of Spain.
The House of Medici prevailed; a victory that also marked the following artistic and architectural development for the whole region including the one of San Lorenzo a Linari, an example itself of the Medicean Style.
In fact, in the eighteenth century the subjects related to classicism returned with force, after their introduction during the Renaissance; and so, the restoration of the gallery of the upper loggia of the residence included niches with statues, and the large fireplace in the sitting room was enriched with precious stuccos, as well as the little church.
An intertwining of events, architectural styles and stories that overlap, cross each other and merge together to create some of the most fascinating narrative paths.
An experience to be blend with the crispy country air, sitting on the large lawn that opens to the landscape, while letting your gaze getting lost in a horizon defined by the winding line of hills.
CONTACTS
The staff of San Lorenzo a Linari is available for responding to your requests.