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  Hardly have the lingering tourists ascended the steep "via Gracciano del Corso" when just before "Piazza delle Erbe" they find themselves right in front of Cavina’s Gate.
The gate, which dates back to 1157, was the town’s gateway to the "Colle Poliziano", and it was placed in the second circle of walls.
It was named "arch" when the Pope Adrian had the walls extended with the third circle of walls, which now marks the boundary of the town.
At the base (near the entrance, on the right) is the old town wardens accomodation, a place where also taxes were being payed.
The hall with its arched roof and curious fan vaultings has not altered over the centuries.
On a wall, together with a niche, is a rainwater pit the rim of which is hollowed out by the running out of the chain which, supporting the tub, was used for collecting water.
Descending downwards, scholars were able to find traces of still remoter civilizations. Indeed, the whole palace was built on two Etruscan Tombs
which date back to the 5th century bc.
Perhaps they belonged to the Cavina family, hence the name of the gate.
A picturesque tunnel which was dug down into the tuff, descends 32 steps and leads to an ancient mortuary, a sort of sloping roofed rectangular hut dug into the tuff as well.
At the far bottom end, under an arch, is an altar where in all probability the urn with the ashes of the householder was kept.
On the walls on both sides are six niches where other urns were kept the whole place was plastered, as the traces of plaster testify.
The second tomb is smaller than the other one and is less interesting since it’s been altered over the cenuries. It is at the entrance, on the right, placed transversely to the first tomb.
Very probably it was the tomb of the servants.
It was their last dwelling, chosen as a sign of their trust, as if the family should protect them even in the afterlife.
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Via di Gracciano nel Corso, 7 - 53045 Montepulciano (Siena) - Tel: e Fax 0578758210
e-mail: info@stampisse.com |
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