Siena, famous for its historical and artistic heritage, hides a secret underground that represents one of the most extraordinary feats of medieval hydraulic engineering: the Bottini. These ancient underground aqueducts, stretching for kilometers beneath the city, were essential for collecting and distributing water, significantly contributing to the growth and prosperity of Siena. In this article, we will explore the history, structure, and importance of the Bottini, and how they today represent a valuable historical and cultural resource.
The History of the Bottini
The construction of the Bottini dates back to the 13th century, a time when Siena was experiencing a period of great economic and demographic growth. The need for an efficient water supply system became crucial to support the growing population and city activities. The city, situated on three main hills and without nearby rivers, had to find a method to collect and distribute water.
The solution was found in the construction of the Bottini, a network of underground aqueducts that captured water from surrounding springs and brought it to the city’s fountains and cisterns. The name “Bottini” derives from the Italian word “botte,” meaning barrel, referring to the cylindrical tunnels that make up the system.
The Structure of the Bottini
The Bottini extend for about 25 kilometers beneath the city of Siena. They are composed of two main branches: the Bottino di Fonte Gaia and the Bottino di Fonte Nuova. Both branches further divide into a complex network of smaller channels.
1. Bottino di Fonte Gaia: This aqueduct is named after the famous fountain located in Piazza del Campo. It was designed to capture water from springs located northwest of the city. The Bottino di Fonte Gaia is known for the quality of the water it transports, considered among the best in the city.
2. Bottino di Fonte Nuova: Built later, this aqueduct captured water from springs located southeast of Siena. The water from the Bottino di Fonte Nuova supplied numerous fountains and cisterns, including the Fontebranda, one of the oldest and best-known fountains in Siena.
The Bottini are constructed from tunnels dug into tuff, a porous volcanic rock typical of the region. The tunnel walls are often lined with bricks to prevent collapses and facilitate water flow. The water is transported through these tunnels by gravity, an ingenious system that does not require pumps or other mechanical devices.
The Water Collection and Distribution System
The Bottini system was designed to capture rainwater and water from natural springs. The underground tunnels collected water seeping into the ground, channeling it towards the city’s main cisterns and fountains. The water was then distributed through a complex network of channels that reached houses, palaces, and gardens.
The main public fountains, such as the Fonte Gaia, the Fontebranda, and the Fonte Nuova, were the water collection points where citizens could supply themselves for domestic and commercial use. The fountains were not only practical utilities but also social gathering points and symbols of the city’s well-being.
The Maintenance of the Bottini
The maintenance of the Bottini was of great importance for the city of Siena. The system required regular inspections and cleanings to ensure that the water remained clean and that the tunnels did not become obstructed. This maintenance was carried out by “fontanieri,” specialized workers who knew the Bottini network perfectly.
The fontanieri worked in difficult conditions, often in narrow and humid spaces, and had to face dangers such as collapses and flooding. However, their work was essential for the system’s operation and the public health of the city.
The Bottini Today
Today, the Bottini represent an extraordinary testimony to medieval engineering and are an important part of Siena’s cultural heritage. Although some parts of the system are no longer in use, many sections of the Bottini are still active and contribute to the city’s water supply.
Guided Tours of the Bottini: It is now possible to explore the Bottini through guided tours organized by local associations and the Siena tourist office. These tours offer a unique opportunity to walk along the underground tunnels and gain a better understanding of how the medieval water supply system functioned.
The guided tours are led by experts who provide detailed explanations of the history, structure, and operation of the Bottini. Participants can see firsthand the medieval construction techniques and engineering solutions used to ensure a constant and clean water flow.
The Historical and Cultural Importance of the Bottini
The Bottini are not just an engineering feat; they also represent an important aspect of Siena’s social and cultural history. They testify to the technical skill of the Sienese and their ability to solve complex problems with innovative solutions.
Moreover, the Bottini reflect the importance of water in daily life and the city’s culture. The public fountains, fed by the Bottini, were places of social interaction as well as symbols of Siena’s well-being and prosperity.
The Legacy of the Bottini
The legacy of the Bottini continues to live on today, not only through guided tours but also thanks to the efforts of local communities and cultural institutions working to preserve and promote this unique heritage.
Conservation and restoration efforts are crucial to ensure that the Bottini can be appreciated by future generations. These projects not only protect the physical structure of the tunnels but also the historical and cultural memory they represent.
Albergo Minerva: Your Starting Point to Explore the Bottini
If you wish to visit Siena and discover its extraordinary Bottini, start at Albergo Minerva, our hotel located in the center of Siena. With a strategic and convenient location, Albergo Minerva offers all the comfort you need for an unforgettable holiday. The rooms are spacious and equipped with every comfort, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration.
At Albergo Minerva, the staff will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to organize your visits to the Bottini and suggest the best activities to do in the city. Thanks to its central location, you will be just a few steps away from the main attractions of Siena and can easily reach the wonderful places in the province.
Book your holiday now by clicking on the top right and prepare your family to experience an unforgettable adventure among the wonders of Siena and its province.
The Bottini of Siena are a hidden masterpiece beneath the ancient streets of the city, an extraordinary example of medieval engineering, and a testimony to the history and culture of Siena. Exploring these ancient aqueducts offers a unique experience, enriching the understanding of how the city developed and thrived thanks to an advanced hydraulic system. Plan your visit to Siena and discover the secrets of the Bottini, immersing yourself in a journey through time and history.