Fountain of Piazza del Grano
Piazza del Grano, once known as "Mercatale," was the center of commercial activities in Asciano, frequented by merchants from afar who traveled along the Via Lauretana to trade their goods. The pristine fountain, created by sculptor Antonio Ghini in the 1470s, is rich in symbolism and allegories connected to the secular realm, serving as both a reminder and a reference for the mercantile activities in the square.
Piazza del Grano
Piazza del Grano stands as a stage rich in history, where ancient stones tell stories passed down over time. This square was once a lively meeting point for merchants from distant places who followed the Via Lauretana to trade local and foreign goods. It was the heart of commercial life, surrounded by the homes of prominent merchant families, and an artisan area developed around it, dedicated to ceramics, leather, and metalworking. Just outside the walls, mills powered by water were used to grind grain and hammer iron with powerful hydraulic hammers.
The 15th-Century Fountain
Created by Antonio Ghini in the 1470s, the fountain is distinguished by its elegant quatrefoil shape. At its center, a majestic pitcher features four high-relief lion heads topped with winged figures. Below the pitcher are three crests, including that of the Vieri di Nanni family and one of the earliest depictions of Asciano’s civic coat of arms. The basin also features allegorical bas-reliefs symbolizing harmony, gossip, abundance, and steadfastness. The young woman sculpted within a medallion is believed to represent Francesca Benassai, the daughter of a Sienese Republic official who oversaw the fountain's construction.