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L’Orto de’Pecci is in the former psychiatric hospital area in Siena and is a green oasis just underneath Piazza del Campo, with a fabulous view of the Torre del Mangia. A dirt path crosses the garden where a co-operative society has maintained it as it always was. To reach this cooperative garden, walk to Piazza del Mercato, then take the stairs leading down to the field of green below. Take the small street which bears to the right of Via Del Sole. A short walk down this road and past the gate, is pleasant and filled with the aroma of lavendar, rosemary and plants of the Tuscan countryside. The view of the Torre del Mangia and of Piazza del Mercato is fabulous from this peaceful spot.
The Pecci Garden was built between 1326 and 1420, and is one of the most well preserved green spaces of medieval Siena. Today, the walls enclose green areas between Porta Romana and Porta Pipsini.
L’Orto de’Pecci comprises an exellent restaurant and bar, All'Orto de'Pecci.
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Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, view from Orto de'Pecci
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Different sectors of activity are currently open and these comprise gardening, separate and outsize waste collection, security and caretaking of monumental complexes and tourist areas, secretarial activities and cleaning of public environments, as well as the care and management of the park of L’Orto de’ Pecci which comprises a restaurant and bar. Moreover, since 2001La Propostahas been certified with the AIAB mark for organic farming in the cultivation and production of vegetables. |
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History | The valley of Porta Giustizia, under Piazza del Mercato, is one of the best preserved green areas inside the old Walls of Siena. It has always been an ideal territory tor cultivation: it is watery and plan, beyond the uphill road called Via di Porta Giustizia. The name of the area, "Orto de' Pecci", refers to this function ('orto' means garden) and to the name of the family (the 'Pecci') which had owned the land tor a long time in the past. The story of the valley is antique and complex, though it has been mostly forgotten.
In the Middle Ages there was a village called Borgo di S. Maria, which had been built at the beginning of the fourteenth-century for new immigrants who wanted to become citizens of Siena. The vilIage was abandoned and taken apart during the fourteenth-century Black Death. Since then, that small part of the southern territory of Siena has always been used for cultivation, even after it had became part of the Psychiatric Hospital.
Since 1983, the social cooperative La Proposta has
been running the valley of Porta Giustizia, implementing gardening, agriculture and tourist facilities. La Proposta aims to promote the reconstruction of damaged identities. It is qualified as a biological farm and obtained the ethics certification SA 8000.
Inside the valley of Porta Giustizia it is possible to visit the 'medieval garden': a composite area where visitors can walk around biological fields and see vegetables used before the introduction of potato, tomato and corn. Uncommon herbs used for dyes in textiles; antique aromatic and officinal herbs.
Visitors can also walk through the green valley and see the old Walls and the ruins of the antique Porta Giustizia, or watch
the falconers' shows. It is also a way to look at Siena and at the Torre del Mangia from a different and unique point of view.
The Orto de’ Pecci is run by a community that helps people with psychological difficulties, former drug addicts and prisoners. Besides what is materially produced, tending a collective vegetable garden offers a concrete opportunity to work in a community, encouraging responsibility and demanding attention and respect for the rhythms of nature.
La Proposta runs a restaurant which employs recovering drug addicts, ex-convicts, and individuals with special needs. Students are able to assist in cooking food for restaurant employees, preparing the dining area for customers, and cleaning the kitchen. Students also have the opportunity to work in the gardens, both in restoration and in the cultivation of vegetables.
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All'Orto de' Pecci, terrace
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L’Orto de’ Pecci comprises an exellent restaurant and bar, All'Orto de'Pecci.
It is our favorite restaurant in Siena.
Ristorante/pizzeria All'Orto de' Pecci
All'Orto de'Pecci
Via Porta Giustizia, 39, 53100 Siena SI
Telefono: 0577 222201
www.ortodepecci.it
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All'Orto de'Pecci
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Cildo Meireles’ large-scale installation in the vegetable gardens of the Orto de’ Pecci in 2012 in Siena constituted a new sign on the skyline of such a well-known city. A 30-metre-high ladder extended upwards, a connecting element between the inner suburbs and the historic city centre. In relation to the characteristics of the site, the presence of the ladder impinged on the usual routes taken by visitors coming to Siena to see the historic monuments and who rarely enter into contact with any areas of the daily life of its inhabitants beyond those relating to tourism and consumption.
Meireles’ ladder dialogued with the site and suggested a reversed perspective, where what is low down is projected upwards.
Arte Continua - associazione culturale | Cildo Meireles in Siena
Informazione: Ristorante, eventi e attività: info@ortodepecci.it
www.ortodepecci.it
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Basilica San Clemente in Santa Maria dei Servia, view from Orto de'Pecci
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Podere Santa Pia a former monastery farm located in a secluded and peaceful area in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, among vineyards and olive groves, and enjoys a privileged panoramic view of southern Tuscany. With a sweeping view from 300 meters above sea level, Podere Santa Pia sits on a hill dominating the valleys of the Ombrone and Orcia rivers, 30 km south of Montalcino. The view is unique and breathtakingly beautiful.
This fabulous domain is now divided into two units, a spacious house that can accommodate 11 people, and a spacious apartment. The original cotto tiles on the floor, the wooden beams on the ceiling and the simple but tasteful decor exude the homely atmosphere of a Tuscan country house.
Delve deeper into Italian cuisine during your stay in Tuscany and try how to make pizza on your own. The pizza oven and large caminetto in the authentic kitchen guarantee culinary delight.
The biggest asset of this holiday home is its location with a stunning view. It seems like the whole southern Tuscany is here at your feet, where your eyes keep losing. Several terraces offer space to dine al fresco with a breathtaking view over the valley and multicolored sunsets.
Holiday houses in Tuscany |Podere Santa Pia
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From Podere Santa Pia, you can enjoy a spectacular view over the plains of the Maremma.
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