Castello della Magione
Medieval Templar mansio on the Via Francigena, now Hospitaller headquarters.
The Castello della Magione, also known as the Magione di San Giovanni al Ponte or Spedale di San Giovanni in Gerusalemme alla Magione, is a medieval castle in Poggibonsi, Italy. It serves as the headquarters of the Militia Templi, an association of the Christian faithful. The complex is notable as a medieval Mansio that belonged to the Knights Templar, including an ancient church and a hospice for pilgrims on the Via Francigena.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Poggibonsi, province of Siena, central Italy
- Date of construction
- 11th century
- Donors
- Gottifredo di Arnolfo and Arnolfino di Cristofano
Facts from the source article.
History
This 11th-century castle was given to the monks of Saint Michael Abbey in Poggio Marturi on September 5, 1140, by Gottifredo di Arnolfo and Arnolfino di Cristofano, the heirs of its founders. The monks then placed it under the care of the Knights Templar, turning it into one of their way stations, or Domus Templi, along the Via Francigena. When Pope Clement V suppressed the Templar order in 1312, the property passed to the Knights Hospitaller. Over time it became a farm, changing hands among various owners, including the Corsini princes. Count Marcello Alberto Cristofani della Magione bought the castle in 1979 and gave it to the newly formed Militia Templi as its headquarters, prompting a full restoration. Despite later modifications, the building still shows its Romanesque roots.
Overview
The trapezoidal shape of the complex follows the River Staggia on its western side. Inside the courtyard are the knights' convent quarters, small guest rooms, and a staircase leading to the upper floor. The Magistral Church of San Giovanni in Jerusalem features pure Romanesque design, visible from the altar. Restoration work uncovered Burgundian-Cistercian influences in how the vaults were built.
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