Have you ever wondered how Siena became one of the most important cities in all of Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries despite NOT having easy access to water? Well,* now’s your chance to find out! Join the volunteers of l’Associazione la Diana to learn about Siena’s ingenious water system and to see a gorgeous place that is rarely open to the public. This former convent housed cloistered nuns, meaning they could not leave, but of course they still needed access to water. By the end of the 13th c, a new bottino was dug for them, and a series of fountains made.
Don’t worry if you don’t speak Italian! Some of our volunteers do speak English, and I’ll be there from 14.30-17.30 so will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Date: Sunday 22 March
Times: 9.30-12.30 + 14.30-17.30
Address: Fonte delle Monache, Via delle Sperandie 47
Cost: free (but donations to l’Associazione la Diana are greatly appreciated! Even €1 per person makes a huge difference to our efforts to preserve these fascinating places.)
Please note: It is a steep hill down and up, but if you take it slowly you will be fine!
*I was going to insert a bad water joke here, but as you’ll find out during your visit, we only have one well in Siena!!
On our way down to the nuns’ fountain, with Monte Amiata in the distance, plus medieval city walls surrounding the garden.
Drinking water. No, it’s not dirty! The white you see is just a thin layer of calcium that will be filtered out in the next basin!
See??
