Quartiere Pianello

What is Quartiere Pianello? 

The village of Montalcino is divided territorially into four quarters, called Quartiere. In the territory of Quartiere Pianello live approximately 400 citizens. Our headquarters, which is called the Sede, and in which the life of the Quartiere takes place, consists of meeting rooms, kitchen, dining room and a bar. The Sede belongs collectively to every member of the Quartiere, although none of us have the right to sell or dispose of anything. Quartiere property ownership has passed through generations of members. A Quartiere is non political and non profit making and we are self governed with a set of Articles under the Comune of Montalcino.

We elect a president, secretary, treasurer and office bearers by-annually who take on the responsibility of upholding our role and objectives, and co-ordinating the activity of the Quartiere. Pianello is the smallest Quartiere; a handful of narrow lanes wind around a huddle of stone houses on the lower slopes of the hill. Our colours are white and blue. At festival time we hang our banners all around our Quartiere and wear our Quartiere scarfs which are particularly beautiful, showing our colours as well as San Michele the Arcangel holding the scales of justice and the sword of victory.

Role and Objectives

The objectives of the Quartiere are to preserve the culture and traditions of Montalcino, a village which was first settled in the mid 700’s when the hill was covered in a dense canopy of trees. Barbarians were plundering the lower land towards the sea and frightened peasants, desperate to seek somewhere safer to live, found safe haven on top of this hill under the holm oaks. With the social, religious, cultural, recreational and gastronomic traditions preserved by our Quartiere, life unfolds inside the walls much as it has through the centuries.

Members are wholeheartedly committed to our Quartiere. We establish strong ties which unite us one with the other, resulting in a kind of brotherhood of deep and personal attachment between members. Members display Quartiere loyalty in a tightly-knit extended family preserving values and traditions, nurturing our young in a caring and responsible neighbourhood. Every member, from the youngest to the oldest, has a role to play in upholding the values and traditions of our Quartiere with absolute and unquestioning loyalty.

Initiatives which validate the traditions and culture of Pianello and Montalcino include the Festival of the Patron Saint of Pianello in June, and the Festival of the Patron Saint of Montalcino, on 8^th May. At festivals Quartiere members participate, dressed in medieval costumes in our Quartiere colours, re-enacting historic and religious events in the long history of Montalcino.

Archery

Each Quartiere is responsible for maintaining an archery squad, and each has a practice range. This is a tradition which goes back many centuries. Twice a year, in August at the Opening of the Hunt Festival, and in October at the Festival of the Thrush, the members of the four Quartieri meet on the Campo, bringing with them their most trusted and accurate archers, to do battle in a passionately contested archery tournament, praying for victory to claim the honour for their Quartiere of having the best archers in Montalcino. At a  tournament is when you will see the dedication, emotion and devotion among Quartiere members.

Everything we work for throughout the year to preserve the life, culture and traditions of our Quartiere reaches its peak during the tournaments when we display the joy and passion of our souls. There is no prize for winning – only honour for our Quartiere.

Pianello Fundraising Committee to Save San Pietro

Alessandro Faneschi - President of Quartiere Pianello

Ofelia Piccioni

Luigi Dusi

Isabella Dusi

Fabio Salvioni

Team of Co-ordinators

Samuele Cecchini

Cecilia Pianigiani

Lorenzo Faneschi

Francesco Ripaccioli

Tommaso Bovini

Christian Bovini

Claudio Boccardi

Mauro Guerrini

Spiritual and temporal support:

Padre Giancarlo, the Abbey of Sant’ Antimo

Although we have no permanent priest, Padre Giancarlo, one of the Brothers from the nearby Abbey of Sant’ Antimo, attends at San Pietro to celebrate mass and conduct services.  In the following letter you will see that he strenuously supports our endeavours to restore San Pietro.