Tower and Fountain of Mencia
Icon of Asciano
One of the most iconic symbols of Asciano. The civic tower, with its ancient clock marking time with unwavering precision, rises above the rooftops of the village. At its base, a fountain adorned with the head of a Gorgon catches the attention of passersby. Its enigmatic gaze seems to guard a secret, inviting all who pass to stop and drink. But there is an unspoken pact: those who accept the invitation and drink from this fountain are destined to return to Asciano!
The Civic Tower
As you stroll through the streets of Asciano, it is impossible not to notice the majestic civic tower standing elegantly in the heart of the village along the main street. This tower, with its imposing presence, tells a story dating back to 1537, as evidenced by the inscriptions engraved in its ancient bricks.
As you approach, your gaze is drawn to the clock, which still keeps time today. Once, it was manually operated by a complex and fascinating mechanism—a true masterpiece of engineering—now preserved in the Cassioli Museum.
The Fountain of Mencia
At the base of the tower, another striking feature captures the imagination: the fountain with the Gorgon’s mask, a stone sculpture adorned with bronze serpents, which once provided water to travelers. While the original fountain is now housed in the Palazzo Corboli Museum, the legend surrounding it remains alive.
It is said that whoever drinks from this fountain is inevitably destined to return to Asciano. It’s an irresistible call, as if the very soul of the village, through this fountain, maintains an unbreakable bond with those who stop here—inviting them to return, time and time again, to discover and rediscover the wonders of this corner of Tuscany!
