Top of the World
The Orto de' Pecci is located in the historical center of Siena, a few hundred meters away from Piazza del Campo, where a green corner of pure countryside is hidden. It is a precise and faithful reconstruction of a traditional Sienese vegetable garden where you can admire aromatic herbs, medicinal and dyeing herbs. Many plant species grow in this small green parenthesis in the heart of the city, and are typical of the medieval era. A wonderful place to spend a relaxing afternoon of which, however, not even the Sienese often know the fascinating history: during the fourteenth century, the condemned to death crossed the garden passing through Porta Giustizia to go to be executed. In the past, moreover, the Orto de' Pecci was part of the Psychiatric Hospital, where the inmates grew fruit and vegetables for the needs of the entire structure and looked after the hospital's farm animals. The garden is also part of the circuit of educational farms in the Province of Siena. Here children can learn about the countryside and come into contact with animals, and learn the differences between the crops of the past and those of today thanks to the presence of the medieval and organic vegetable garden.
