Comune di Civitella Paganico
Pari
The Village
Pari - the streets
Pari - the streets
The present village continues to display its exceptionally well-preserved medieval face, and follows the contours of the hill on which is was built. The narrow streets circle the village and follow the path of the original walls, the remains of which can now only been seen at the base of the rear of the village.
Walking along the streets of Pari leaves one with the sensation that time has stood still for centuries. By climbing to the top of the hill one can reach the Piazza del Palazzo, once the site of the Palazzo di Giustizia which was then restored to become a school. Today here we find the Attilio Massini Cultural Centre and the building is used for cultural events.
From this vantage point the visitor can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Ombrone valley below, and in the further distance the Tuscan Maremma and the outline of Mount Amiata.
The cultural life of the village has always flourished and was never extinguished in spite of the highs and lows of its past. A plaque to the writer, Federigo Tozzi, can be seen on the left-hand side of Via Cappucci. It is the home of the writer's father. While Tozzi himself was born in Siena, Pari always remained his spiritual home and his novels describe the village, the flavour of its traditional foods, and surrounding countryside.
On the right-hand side there is a building containing two arches. This was originally a hospital for pilgrims and was later used as a convent. Today it contains private apartments.