The little town in the hills of Tuscany has retained its medieval appearance right up until modern times. At one time, 72 towers could be seen rising above the town’s skyline. The towers were not allowed to exceed the height of the two town hall towers, and so it often happened that the townspeople were forced to remove extensions that they had surreptitiously built. Today only 15 of the towers remain which were built by each of the families as a protection against their neighbours, and also as a demonstration of their power and wealth. The prosperity of the town was founded on the trade in wool, wine and spices, and also on the cultivation of saffron which was used to dye silk. The Minimundus model shows the Cathedral Square with the surrounding buildings – certainly one of the most beautiful squares in Tuscany.
