Lucignano
Lucignano is a medieval town in Val di Chiana in Tuscany. Located close to Siena and Arezzo and aside from popular tourist routes, the town is a good place to stay and to take your walks to the popular Montepulciano, Montelcino, San Gimignano, Pienza, Cortona and other pearls in Tuscany’s crown. From here, it’s easy to reach other Tuscan towns such as Arezzo, Siena, and Pienza, as well as the Val Dorcha and Chianti districts. The town is an ideal starting point for those seeking relaxation and spa. Thermal springs are nearby, Rapolano Terme, Bagno Vignoni, Chianciano, Terme dei Bagni San Filippo.
Besides the good location, Lucignano also has a lot of sights to please you, although in this regard it is inferior to its more popular neighbours. Its history is ancient, and because of its excellent location in the past the districts of Arezzo, Perugia, Siena and Florence have often argued about it. Lucignano has an unusual shape. The main street is spiraling before entering a picturesque narrow street in the historic center. There are many churches and interesting museums in the village.
The San Francesco church overlooks the village square with a distinctive facade of alternating black and white stones. In the church you will find a 14th century fresco “The Triumph of Death” attributed to the master painter Bartholo di Freddy – a disciple of Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Another remarkable church is the Collegiate Church of San Michele Arcangelo, but undoubtedly the most famous landmark here is
The Golden Tree of Lucignano
You will find it in the municipal museum located on the ground floor of the town hall. In the table full you will know the facade of the coats. The museum is famous for its remarkable gold-encrusted reliquary made of local goldsmiths, known as the Tree of St. Francis “. The other names with which the tree is popular are: “The Golden Tree”, “The Tree of Life”, “the Tree of Lucignano”, “The Tree of Love”. “Golden Tree” of Lucignano is actually a container for relics. This may be the presumed or actual remnants of saints, such as bones, clothing or objects associated with saints or other religious figures. The tree has a height of 2.6 m, made of silver and copper. It was created in the period 1350-1471, the Fatino to Vieri and Gabrielo D’Antonio were the said craftsmen who participated in his construction.
The tree consists of a stem and twelve branches.
At the top there is a crucifix and a pelican; The bird has become a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. On the branches, six on each side there are gold leaves, miniatures, medallions with enamel, rock crystal and coral. The color of the coral reminds of the blood of Christ, and the small reliquary in which the fragments of the true Cross were once stored are now empty.
The tree was stolen on September 28, 1914, and three years later it was found hidden in a cave in the vicinity of the village of Sarterino (near Siena), about 60 km south of Lucignano, but some of its 72 enameled elements and corals lacked. The name “Tree of Love” comes from the fact that the tree has the fame that brings good luck to the newlyweds and has the power to renewed sexual vitality of the elderly couples-who put flowers or petals at its base. So, the next time you visit Lucignano, don’t miss out on this landmark.
B & B Il Gianduia
is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Lucignano. Located literally on the walls of the city, the building is a 17th-century residence with vaulted ceilings fully painted in 1860 and will welcome you to the sympathetic and smiling Gloria. Breakfast is served in the beautifully painted lounge. You will enjoy aromatic coffee and tea, croissants, cheeses and fruit. The terrace offers a lovely view of the Val di Chiana and it is a real pleasure to drink your coffee in the morning or a glass of red wine in the evenings contemplating the beauty of the surrounding area. There is a good choice of restaurants for lunch or dinner at the Lucignano. ZENZERO Restaurant is located on the first floor and serves fine dishes and wine in the secret inner Zen Garden of the executioner. Behind the walls of the town there are many cozy and small restaurants like Il Goccino E.g. The restaurant serves dishes of old family recipes, seen through the prism of the present and the trend for healthy dishes with respect to the product and friendly cooking techniques.
Cinema routes
Tuscany has inspired many world-class filmmakers over the years and Lucignano has also come under the spotlight. Walking up the curves of the village and visiting the places of worship, you can experience some scenes from the movies shot here. In 2010 the romantic drama “True to the original” was captured in Lucignano by Juliet Binoche. For his role in the movie Binoche is the award of the Cannes festival for best Actress.
Here is filmed another film “Misunderstood” by director Jerry Schazberg (1983)
