Roccatederighi sits on a spur of Monte Sassoforte, boasting an extensive view of the valley below. Starting in the 10th century, the town belonged to the Aldobrandeschi family. In the early 1200s, the local Tederigi o Tederigoli dei Guachi family took power, which is where the town gets its name, and towards the end of the century, it passed into the hands of the Republic of Siena.
In the highest part of the town, you can find the ruins of the medieval fortress and some stretches of the original defense walls dating to the 1300s. Its tower stands adjacent; rebuilt in 1910 according to the style of the era, when medieval sites were being widely restored, the tower boasts a large clock and characteristic battlements. Heading down to the lower part of the town along via della Torre, you’ll come to the Church of San Martino Vescovo, which conserves a splendid painting dating to the early 1600s depicting the Madonna and Child with St. Augustine Holding the Roccatederighi Castle. In piazza Garibaldi, make sure to stop by the Church of San Sebastiano.
One of the town’s traditional events is the Palio dei Ciuchi, which takes place every year on August 14 and involves the town’s five neighbourhoods (Corso, Ventosa, Torre, Tramonto and Nobili) as they compete for a banner painted by local artists.
During the same month, Roccatederighi hosts the “Medioevo nel Borgo,” an exciting medieval festival known throughout Tuscany. Jugglers, musicians, acrobats and stands with artisan products: every summer, the town becomes a paradise for all those who love this historic era.
