| The tower was erected during the decade 1342 -1352, during the Government of the Nine in Siena, and at the same time as the construction of the third and final set of walls of Asciano and the fortification of the castle. It was to be a bastion and defensive tower; an integral element in the ring of town defences. Following the Florentine conquest of Siena in 1555, the tower was reduced in height on the orders of Cosimo I° dei Medici along with all the other towers. Traces of loopholes remain and rounded arches can be seen on the outside wall. Converted on several occasions to provide domestic accommodation, the building retained the stones of a ruined staircase, which has now been restored to its original form. The thick walls, typical of a medieval tower, protect the interiors from the summer heat. There are 3 floors, a wide sitting room with spiral stairs of steel and wood leads into a well-equipped kitchen with an original fireplace (oven, fridge, cooker, dishwasher and washing machine). There are two entrances; one on the ground floor, leading to the sitting room and the second is by an external staircase leading to the kitchen on the first floor. At the top there is a huge panoramic roof terrace equipped with table and chairs, perfect for romantic dining. |
