The castle Fortezza Medicea is named after the founder of the fort, which is Cosimo I deβ Medici. The construction was preceded by the defeat of Siena, with the support of France in the Battle of Marciano (1554). The winner was Florence in alliance with Spain. Until 1552, the city was under the rule of Spain, but in this year (1552) the locals revolted, expelling the Spaniards from the territory and destroying the old citadel, which was on the site of which the Fortezza Medicea castle is located today. However, two years later the above-mentioned battle followed, resulting in the surrender of the locals β the Spaniards subsequently rebuilt the fortress. It is worth noting that the Fortezza di Santa Barbara is sometimes called the defensive fortification, and the military engineer Giovanni Battista Belluci was the architect behind the construction. The fort served its original purpose until the end of the 18th century.
Palazzo Chigi Saracini brightly stands out among the other palaces of Siena with its gothic appearance. It was built in the 12th century by the family of Marescotti, one of the most influential families at that time in Siena. In 1506, the palace was acquired by another family, Piccolomini-Mandoli, whose members decided to make several modifications. They refurbished the loggia and patio, which took on the look of a Renaissance style. Subsequent restorations always preserved the original Gothic facade. The palazzo is named after the Saracini family who was the last owners of the palace and restored it with the help of architect Arturo Viligiardi. An obligatory point for everyone when visiting the Palazzo is its courtyard β all because of its incredible picturesqueness.
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