Traiana – Roman history and a medieval village center

Traiana began as a Roman settlement near the Cassia Vetus, the Roman road linking Arezzo and Fiesole. This connection places the town within the history of an ancient route between two named cities. At the same time, the town’s history encompasses several clearly distinct phases: its Roman origins, a medieval walled village, and later changes to the market square. From a cultural and historical perspective, Traiana’s landscape and village development can be seen as two complementary, but distinct, themes.

Roman Settlement and Landscape

Around Traiana, the regular division of many plots and the straight, perpendicular field paths are considered typical features of ancient Roman centuriation. The Roman connection therefore extends beyond the settlement’s origins: the layout of the surrounding countryside is part of it too. The division of plots and the network of paths can be read as a connected pattern. From a cultural and historical perspective, this offers a different approach from looking at a single building: the focus here is on the spatial organization of the surrounding countryside.

The Medieval Village Center

The medieval walled village stands on a small hill, about 200 meters from the main square, on the site of the castle houses. This approximate distance and elevated position provide two different points of reference for understanding the village center: the main square and the former castle area.

A hospice dedicated to the Apostle Andrew was founded in the village. Pilgrims traveling to Rome on their way to St. Peter’s were given free accommodation there. This records a specific historical role for Traiana in connection with pilgrimages.

After some of the castle’s inhabitants moved to the large market square, the parish church of San Fabiano e San Sebastiano was built there. This sequence shows a shift in the settlement’s center of activity: the development around the market square, where the parish church was built, adds to the history of the walled village.

Landscape, Concerts and Regional Activities

The ancient center of Traiana offers views of the area’s nearly untouched landscape. The Cappella Polverini is located among the vineyards of the Fattoria La Traiana, owned by Giandomenico Gigante. The view from the ancient center and the chapel’s setting among the vineyards thus offer different connections to the landscape.

The “Concerto all’Alba nella Vigna” in Traiana reached its twelfth edition in 2026. The concert brought together music, reflections and nature at sunrise. If you would like to include a future edition in your trip, check the event dates in advance.

A route of about ten kilometers through the Valle dell’Ascione is also recommended for cycling. If you are considering cycling in addition to exploring Traiana’s history, the focus shifts to the wider area of Terranuova Bracciolini.

Getting There

Traiana can be reached via a paved road. Its Roman and medieval connections, as well as regional activities, offer different reasons to choose Traiana as a destination.

Discover more destinations: Cicogna, Campogialli.

For the broader travel overview: Terranuova Bracciolini.