We try to drive through the beautiful hills of Tuscany each time we come to Italy. There is a road south of Siena that takes you through Asciano and on to Montalcino and Pienza. It is stunning even on a slightly hazy early spring day.
We stopped at a lookout point and found this sign.
It was erected last year by the residents of Asciano to remember the death of 20 people and the injury of 5 in 1944 when the bus they were travelling in was bombed. 13 were from Asciano. It happened on Easter Monday in this beautiful place…what a terrible waste. Imagine the devastation to lose all those people from one small village.
Today, 25th April, is Liberation Day in Italy and Anzac Day in Australia. It is a day when people remember the horror that is war…a time to celebrate to lives of the men and women who fought for freedom and hope that we don’t have to live through another one.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like humanity has learned this lesson in some parts of the world
By: Mallee Stanley on April 25, 2017
at 3:22 pm
No, war just keeps happening.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 25, 2017
at 4:12 pm
Tragic….
By: Sue on April 25, 2017
at 3:25 pm
Yes, it was not expected, but this area was involved during the war so we shouldn’t have been too surprised.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 25, 2017
at 4:14 pm
Quite… I have actually driven that road myself, some years ago
By: Sue on April 25, 2017
at 4:27 pm
Such a beautiful place, it’s hard to imagine that such awful things happened there it looks so peaceful. Sadly though it’s still happening elsewhere. By the way your garden at Casa Debbio looks amazing.
By: janetknight57 on April 25, 2017
at 4:10 pm
That drive is spectacular. I must admit the sign put a different light on things. Our garden is progressing well, thank you.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 25, 2017
at 4:13 pm
Debra,
Shucks. Next time stop for at least a glass of wine with us in Pienza! We are now here spring and fall, having bought an apt after the US elections last Nov. I can still RESIST from here without constant meetings. And, it’s a beat place to live, with kindred spirits. All of central Tuscany was anti-fascists from the 1930s and remains so today. You can’t discuss Italy and avoid politics. Next to ways to not pay taxes, it’s the frequent topic of discussion among friends
By: Carol Bergson on April 25, 2017
at 4:50 pm
We will definitely stop next time we go through. We were on our way to Saturnia.
You may be interested in reading Iris Origo’s book War in the Val d’Orcia, set near you.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 25, 2017
at 6:29 pm
What a touching and thoughtful post …….a reminder that we must never take anything for granted. Bless the people of Asciano and YOU for posting it.
By: Anonymous on April 25, 2017
at 5:30 pm
There are constant reminders of war here, even though it was 70 years ago.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 25, 2017
at 6:30 pm
To peace!
By: sunnydaysinseattle on April 25, 2017
at 5:41 pm
If only it would happen world wide.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 25, 2017
at 6:30 pm
I too love this drive, and although I’ve driven through it many times, i never tire of it – it’s essential Tuscany
By: Elizabeth Litzow on April 25, 2017
at 9:13 pm
Yes, it doesn’t matter how often we go we are always delighted.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 26, 2017
at 5:26 am
It is such a beautiful location it is hard to image the horrors of war reining down there.
By: Kerry & Jim on April 25, 2017
at 11:30 pm
It doesn’t seem possible does it.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 26, 2017
at 5:28 am
Beautifully put Debra. That lone tree on the hill is magnificent.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on April 27, 2017
at 2:13 am
[…] Blood in the hills […]
By: The rolling hills of Tuscany | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on August 3, 2020
at 8:19 pm