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Castello di Cosona Pienza
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Castello di Cosona
SP71, 53026 Pienza SI
Telephone 320 074 9484
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Cosona is located in open countryside, about 6 km from Pienza. The current palace, overlooking the Tuoma River valley and the surrounding countryside, is named after the Etruscan Cusi-Kusunias. The settlement was already heavily inhabited in Lombard times.
The first mention of the site as a castle dates back to 1234, when it was devastated by the people of Orvieto during their war with Siena. It later became the property of the Tolomei family, whose hostility toward the Sienese government led to its destruction in 1393.
The castle, rebuilt in the early 15th century as a fortified palace, was purchased in 1465 by Ferdinand I of Aragon, King of Naples, and sold shortly thereafter to Cardinal Niccolo Forteguerri of Siena. Since then, it has belonged to the same family, now known as Bichi Ruspoli Forteguerri.
Cosona's current layout dates back to the 16th century, as can be recognized by the monumental entrance portal. The site was once home to the Parish Church of Santa Maria, a very important 'mater ecclesia', one of the many stops on the Via Francigena. Today, the parish church is dedicated to Saints Laurentino and Pergentino.
The building complex of the country residence is quite imposing; it is surrounded by various outbuildings and farmhouses, attesting to its function as a farm center for agricultural activity. Olive oil, wine, and cereals are produced here, although several hectares are occupied by woodland.
The garden area, irregularly shaped and leaning against the walls, is located to the east and consists of a lawn with potted roses, bordered by beds of laurel and other plants. A centuries-old holm oak dominates the area, with its curious intertwining of branches that, thanks to pruning, take on the shape of a "spade." There is a lemon house, a cistern, and a family chapel; the latter overlooks the garden from the terrace above.
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