Discover Torniella: Castle, Church and Palla a 21

Torniella brings together the town’s medieval history, a playing tradition that is still kept alive here, and a hillside setting overlooking the Farma Valley. There are several ways to shape your travel plans: the remains of the castle and fortifications, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, Palla a 21, and the surrounding chestnut and holm oak woods. What interests you most can help you decide what kind of stay you would like in Torniella.

Castle, Walls and the Town’s History

Torniella was already a junction on the road from Siena to Grosseto in the 11th century. Impressive remains of the medieval castle complex are still visible in the highest part of the town. The castle originally belonged to the Aldobrandeschi family; after a seven-day siege, it passed into the territories of the Republic of Siena.

Between the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the Sienese rebuilt the walls and fortifications. Visible sections still mark the boundaries of the original part of the town. This provides a way to place the history in context: the early road link and the Aldobrandeschi castle were followed by the siege and the rebuilding of the fortifications. The surviving stretches of wall and the castle remains represent different chapters in the town’s history.

The Church of San Giovanni Battista and Historic Buildings

The Church of San Giovanni Battista stands on the hill above the town and is in the Franciscan style. It was built in the 15th century. According to tradition, stones from the former parish church of Santa Maria, which stood outside the walls, were used in its construction. Its architectural features include a single portal, a single-nave plan, a wooden-beam ceiling and a presbytery raised above the level of the church. These features describe both the layout and the change in elevation around the presbytery.

The church houses a 16th-century Madonna and Child attributed to Vincenzo Rustici. Another trace of the town’s past is the cistern dating from 1613 in the Borgo of Torniella; it was recently restored. The 15th-century church and the 1613 cistern thus offer two distinct points of reference for the town’s architectural history.

Palla a 21 and Hiking Trail

Palla a 21 is still played in Torniella. Depending on the locality, the game is also known as Palla Eh! In the province of Grosseto, Torniella is one of the venues for regular gatherings and tournaments, which take place mainly in summer. If you would like to plan your trip around a gathering or tournament, check the specific dates in advance.

The Itinerari della Trachite – Itinerario di Torniella is a hiking trail that leads to the Torniella district. This destination information is useful when planning your hike; trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

Hillside Setting and Landscape

Torniella is set on a hill overlooking the Farma River valley and is surrounded by chestnut and holm oak woods. Alongside the historic buildings, the town’s location and vegetation are also distinct aspects to consider when planning a trip. Unlike the gatherings and tournaments, which take place mainly in summer, the castle remains, church and landscape are not tied to individual event dates; they are features to explore according to your interests. If Palla a 21 is the main reason for your trip, however, the specific event date is an important point to consider when planning.

Discover more destinations: Roccatederighi, Montemassi, Montelattaia, Sticciano Scalo, Sassofortino, Ribolla.

Return to the main travel overview: Roccastrada.