Torrita di Siena, the pride of belonging
The social and economic events, here and in nearby Sinalunga, have taken an original path. In Torrita, there was already an industrial evolution under way between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, that in the province of Siena was seen only in Val d’Elsa. At the time, there were already businesses involved in transforming agricultural products, producing of silk, glass, felt hats and dyeing. Manufacturing continues to be an important aspect of employment, with construction and engineering companies, for the production of building materials, as well as ceramic and wood companies. The case of a company that started out as a modest blacksmith’s shop is emblematic. It has now become one of the most prestigious companies in handling and industrial automation, with ingenious applications using mechatronics and IT. It is the alternative production side of a territory with close ties to the past and to agriculture, defined mainly by the landscapes and lifestyle. Access to communication routes and keeping an open mind to the rest of the world have contributed to building an economy based on work and ingenuity, despite the difficulties of an evolving world
In-depth look
The first records of Torrita di Siena date back to the 11th century, when the village fell under the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, the castle was under the dominion of the Republic of Siena, which continued in the following centuries despite attempts at domination by Montepulciano and the Guardavalle family, to which the famous Ghino di Tacco belonged. Long sections of the walls with three original entrance gateways are still visible today.
La Fratta, officially in the Municipality of Sinalunga, actually extends into the Municipality of Torrita as well. These are modern boundaries, which are the same as those of Ghino di Tacco, the famous gentleman brigand. Agricultural territory, therefore, as well as industrial. In addition to the standard production, there is also a route dedicated to Vin Santo in Montefollonico. But more than to the product itself, the reference is to a lifestyle and to the welcome that always refers to a taste of this delicious product in the Tuscan countryside.