The first mention of Trequanda dates back to 1198, although the place name is Etruscan, and may well refer to the hero, Tarkonte. Its location on the road that connected Siena to Chiusi in the Middle Ages, via Asciano, meant that it was often at the centre of various wars. In the 12th century, it was controlled by the Schialenghi-Cacciaconti counts. It was sold several times and, in 1318, belonged to the Tolomei family. Currently, a big castle occupies most of the town and the beautiful church in the main square is worth a visit. Castelmuzio was originally called Casal Mustia, which later became Castel Mozzo, perhaps due to the imposing tower which is its distinguishing feature. It is mentioned in a document dated 1213 as the property of the Scialenga, former lords of nearby Montisi and Petroio. After passing to the Republic of Siena in 1270, it became the property of Santa Maria della Scala until 1470, when the castle was bought by Andrea Piccolomini. The place is far from ordinary: it offers an extraordinary view of the countryside overlooking Pienza, Montepulciano and Monte Amiata. Petroio may well refer to the Etruscan Petruno, of the Latin Preatorium. In the early Middle Ages, it was “Castro Pretorio” with the church of San Pietro joined as a parish to the parish church of Sant’Andrea di Abbadia di Sicille (another Etruscan place name). In any case, written records of this ancient castle date from 1180. From the Scialenga family it was passed to the Salimbeni towards the end of the fourteenth century, then to the Piccolomini Bandini, before returning under direct control of Siena. The charming town, dominated by a tower that can be reached from a single spiral road, has remarkable churches and the Palazzo pretorio (praetorian building), which houses the original terracotta museum.