22. Contrada Magoria

The old district known as “dei Ruguroni” leading to the Magoria quarter. The street is the only one in the town that runs from east to west. The origins of this street are to be found in an era prior to the building of the town wall. At that time a barrier, probably used as a military or customs checkpoint, existed at the narrowest point between the two rocks known as San Michele (Castelgrande) and Montebello. The two towers that stood at each extremity of the barrier at the foot of the two rocks were incorporated in later constructions.
In the lunette you can also see the old 19th century post office, which faced onto Piazza Collegiata.
It was not unusual for streets and lanes to be covered with suspended vines whose owners had to pay a tithe for the privilege.

<< Back | Forward >>