Tuscany: Lucignano

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The layout of Lucignano is unique. There are four circles within circles and four piazzas right at the center of town. The entire village is within the medieval walls. It’s the most charming of villages. Medieval town planning at its very best! You’ll park outside the town gates and walk in and around the town. The gates, of which there are three are the Porta San Giusto, Porta San Giovanni and the Porta Murata. The Via Matteotti is on the south side of town and has some lovely palazzi. On the north side of town (Via Roma) you’ll see where the poorer folks used to live. You’ll see the difference between the two almost immediately (architecturally). The Collegiata (14^th century) is a pretty church with an arguably intriguing altar and a pair of gilded angels (in wood). It’s located at the highest point in town as is the Palazzo Communale (now the Museo Civico) and the Chiesa di San Francesco. Inside the Museo Civico you will find paintings by Luca Signorelli and the delicate Albero di Lucignano (Tree of Lucignano) — it’s also called the Albero d’Oro (a true masterpiece in gold). The Chiesa di San Francesco is a 14^th century striped church (very pretty) with frescoes inside. Make sure you note the carvings in the entry portal. When the Medici family came to power here in the 16^th century, they added the fortress, the Santuario di Madonna della Querce (outside the town walls), the Cappuccini Monastery and the Chiesa di Misericordia (and the Collegiata). The town is very well preserved and well worth a visit. Market day is Thursday in Lucignano.