Fonte Branda (Branda Fountain), Siena

The Branda Fountain is the oldest city fountain in Siena. It was principal source of water in the city during the middle ages. The Branda Fountain was designed by Giovanni di Stefano and built in 1246. It is mentioned as an ancient fountain in Dante鈥檚 Inferno and the writings of Boccaccio. During the middle ages, it was surrounded by houses of craftsmen and their workshops. Later it became the site of a slaughterhouse.

The area has been restored today to house workshops of craftsmen who strive to preserve the ancient arts and crafts of Siena. Visitors can view the Branda Fountain on their way to the house of Saint Catherine Sanctuary and the Basilica of San Dominico.

The Branda Fountain resembles a small fortress with three pointed arches and crenellations which formed a Guelph battlement during the battle of Montaperti. During the middle ages, it was a rich water source that quenched the thirst of passing travelers, gave power to nearby mills and supplied water to tanners and dyers of woolen fabric in the city. Like all fountains in Siena, the first basin of the Branda Fountain contained water for drinking, the second was used for watering animals and the third was a toilet.

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Sight Name: Fonte Branda (Branda Fountain)
Sight Location: Siena, Italy (See walking tours in Siena)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Medieval Siena Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Siena, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Siena

Creating your own self-guided walk in Siena is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Medieval Siena Walking Tour

Siena is a beautiful medieval city whose Gothic-era identity, acquired between the 12th and 15th centuries, has been successfully preserved due to the centuries of political and economic irrelevance in the shadow of its grander neighbor Florence. Today's Siena is a cultural gold mine and ideal place to revel in medieval Italy.

No tour of Siena is complete without visiting its heart, the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles

Siena's Palaces Walking Tour

A leisurely stroll through downtown Siena 鈥� a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of imperious castles, palaces and other historic buildings 鈥� promises an exciting day of discovery and a pleasant experience for architecture buffs.

While most Italian cities have a church on their main square, Siena's famous Piazza Del Campo gathers around the city hall, known as Palazzo Pubblico... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles

Siena Old Town Walking Tour

Siena was originally settled by Etruscans of Italy and later settled by Romans, who emulated Etruscan culture and named the city Sena Julia. The Lombard Kings then developed the city. By the 12th century, Siena was self-governing.

Siena established the Council of Nine in 1270. This Council was responsible for a flourishing economy, a focus on art, and a building boom. In 1348, Siena was... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

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