The city walls of Manciano. Enveloping the oldest part of the town in their stone embrace, they have been carefully conserved over the centuries and are crowned by four impressive watchtowers, once manned by court guards on the look out for approaching enemies.

Today little remains of the original walls and you wouldn’t be able to spot them anyway. The more modern houses are entwined around them like mussels to a pier, as you can see by the above picture.

But you can still admire the wall’s principal arch, Porta Fiorella. One of the original entry point into the old town, it’s located just in front of Manciano’s city park. Keep an eye out for the coat of arms that adorns it- they belong to the famous Aldobrandeschi.

Finding the four watchtowers among the city walls is also a bit of a challenge. I feel like the ultimate historians trying to spot them. One is impossible to miss as it’s now home to the Torre del Formaggio – Manciano’s premier cheese shop.

Another is on the main strip, Via Marsala, and the other two you’ll just have to find for yourselves! They’re definitely worth admiring and are hidden somewhere in the town’s old quarters, which is, thankfully, pretty small.