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MONTEPULCIANO AROUND 
Chianciano |
Cetona |
Chiusi |
Pienza |
San Casciano dei Bagni |
Sarteano |
Montefollonico |
Radicofani |
San Quirico |
Montalcino |
Trequanda
Chianciano was a major, Etruscan-Roman centre, mostly due to the healing properties of its hot springs, as the evidence found in the nearby thermal centre of "Mezzomiglio" proves. Today Chianciano Terme is one of the most famous and important mineral springs in Italy. There is a large number of archaeological Etruscan and Roman relics of major importance on display at the Civic Archaeological Museum "Delle Acque". The modern Thermal Spa is situated right next to the old Medieval centre of Chianciano, which offers a number of treasures of Romanesque and Renaissance art. Some of these treasures, such as the Sienese and Florentine paintings by the followers of Duccio di Buoninsegna and Arnolfo di Cambio, are on display at the Museum of Sacred Art in the Dean's Palace. Chianciano is at an altitude of about 550 m above sea level. It's nestled within woods of oak, beech, holly and chestnut between the Valdichiana and the Val d'Orcia valley. Apart from the beautiful sceneries of the countryside, the two valleys are surrounded by a number of picturesque ramparts, castles, fortresses and abbeys. The famous mineral springs are crowned by the completely uncontaminated environment.
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CETONA
Situated on top of Cetona Mountain, Cetona has the typical structure of a medieval settlement. Its lanes and streets twist and turn up towards the fortress. Belvedere, a 40,000-year-old prehistoric settlement nearby, is well worth a visit. Monte Cetona Civic Museum of Prehistory, which has finds dating from the Paleolithic era to the Bronze Age, is particularly interesting. In the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo (Saint Michael the Archangel) (1155 A.D.) it is possible to admire frescoes from the Sienese school of Cola Petruccioli. The church of the Santa Trinità (the Holy Trinity) houses a cycle of frescoes by Pinturicchio. While having developed its tourist sector during the latest years, the local economy is still very much based on agriculture and farming. Some of the best local products are olive oil, wine, cheeses and cured meats. The local cuisine, rooted in the classical Tuscan tradition, is not to be missed.
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CHIUSI
Chiusi, which was already a major city in the Etruscan era, had its most prosperous period during the time of the legendary King Porsenna. Significant relics from the nearby archaeological sites are on display at the National Museum of Etruscan Archaeology. Facing the museum is the cathedral, which predated the 12th century and was renovated in 1585. Next to the cathedral is the Cathedral Museum. Built in the 30's, the Museum houses a number of important archeological relics including precious, illuminated missals. Over time, several Etruscan tombs have been discovered in the region - the Pellegrina, the Scimmia (monkey), the Leone (lion), the Pania and many others. Christianity spread quickly in this area; evidence of it can be found in the Catacombs of Santa Mustiola and Santa Catarina (Saint Catherine). In addition to the catacombs there is the so-called "labyrinth of Porsenna", an intricate system of underground tunnels leading to a cistern that dates from the 1st. century A.D. Because of such attractions, Chiusi has developed a growing tourist sector. Situated below the town, Lake Chiusi is one of the main natural attractions – the water reflects the surrounding hills creating a unique view in front of which one can spend a whole day fishing or bird watching.
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PIENZA
Originally called "Castello di Corsignano", Pienza took its name from Pope Pius II Piccolomini, who in the second half of the 15th century initiated a restoration that was meant to create an "ideal city". The village itself is an absolute gem, and the Cathedral in particular is breathtaking. It houses masterpieces by Giovanni di Paolo, Matteo di Giovanni del Vecchietta and Sano di Pietro. There's also a marble altar attributed to Rossellino, the architect who was in charge of redesigning the town. Next to the cathedral is the Diocesan Museum, where paintings from the school of Sodoma and Sano di Pietro, as well as 15th and 16th century Flemish tapestries are on display. A short distance away is the beautiful Palazzo Piccolomini, designed by Bronzino and Beccafumi. The town overlooks the breathtaking countryside of the "Natural, Artistic and Cultural Park of the Val d'Orcia" with its ravines, rolling fields and famous cretaceous ridges.
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SAN CASCIANO dei BAGNI
This small village is situated in the southern part of the province of Siena, in the region that borders Umbria and Lazio. A place of some renown in the Middle Ages, San Casciano still preserves the aspect of a typical mediaeval village, dominated by the massive square tower of Palazzo Bologna. Its historic centre is not to be missed, with the narrow streets, alleyways and little piazzas that are characteristic of a hilly village. The 11th century Basilican Church, located outside the centre and near the hot springs, is well worth a visit. San Casciano, nestled in an unspoiled natural area, is one of the main touristic destinations for those who are looking for thermal therapies such as inhalation therapy, hot spring baths and mud therapies. The tiny hamlet of Celle sul Rigo, dominated by a majestic 13th century tower and with an unforgettable panorama, is only a few kilometers away.
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SARTEANO
Located on a ridge that rises above the Valdichiana, Sarteano's mediaeval origins are evident: the majestic square donjon of its 10th century castle is of unique beauty. Sarteano also has a number of municipal and ecclesiastical buildings of great historical importance. Visits to the church of San Martino in Foro, and the Collegiata (Collegiate Church), which is dedicated to Saints Lorenzo and Appollinare and houses a number of valuable works of art are particularly recommended. Among the municipal buildings of note are the Palazzo Comunale (the Municipal Hall), the Palazzo Piccolomini, the Palazzo Goti-Fanelli and the Palazzo Cennini. Another little gem is the theatre, Teatro degli Arrischianti. The Civic Museum of Archaeology houses a number of important Etruscan and Roman finds and is definitely worth a visit. The "Giostra del Saracino" takes place every year on "Ferragosto" (the 15th of August). The "Giostra" is an exciting jousting match that originated in the Middle Ages. A few kilometres from the centre, through dense and pristine woods, one arrives at the fortified Abbey of Spineto and the mediaeval village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro.
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MONTEFOLLONICO
Montefollonico (575 m above sea level) is a small, mediaeval village that has its roots in the historic rivalry between the republics of Siena and Florence. In fact, the village was once a Sienese stronghold against the "Florentine" Montepulciano. The first indications of human settlement in the area date from the Neanderthal period (roughly 60,000 years ago), as evidenced by stone tools found in the locality known as "Il Tondo" (presently a public garden). There is evidence of a territorial dispute in the year 715 for possession of the parish of San Valentino (Saint Valentine). The history of the village as it is today begins in the 13th century with the founding of the Parish of San Leonardo (Saint Leonard) by Cistercian Monks of the nearby monastery. The monks' main activities were wool milling or fulling, from which the village took its name: Mons a Fullonica. After years of alternating successions, Montefollonico was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1555.
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RADICOFANI
The Val d'Orcia is dominated by a solitary fortress d'Orcia is dominated by a solitary fortress surrounded by the ruins of an historic castle. Radicofani was an important outpost on the border with the Roman state. The fortifications, built on orders of Cosimo I, were destroyed by the explosion of a powder warehouse in 1735. Radicofani is famous fbecause of the bandit Ghino di Tacco, who lived in this area for many years. The church of San Pietro (Saint Peter) houses ceramics by Luca della Robbia. The church of Sant'Agata (Saint Agatha), built in Gothic- Sienese style, is of particular interest. The striking, 16th century Post building with its double-arcaded façade in Via Francigena is particularly picturesque. A number of famous personalities spent several time here, including Chateaubriand, Dickens and Montaigne. The latter was a connoisseur of good food with a particular appreciation for the use of olive oil in various dishes. In his writings he often recalled the warmth and hospitality of Tuscany.
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SAN QUIRICO
Of Etruscan origin, San Quirico gained importance thanks to the nearby Via Franchigena. In 1154, Federico Barbarossa met the ambassadors of Pope Adriano IV and this event is still celebrated the third Sunday in June with the "Feast of Barbarossa". In 1167 it was the seat of the Imperial Vicariate. In 1559 Florence acquired the village under Cosimo I de Medici. The Collegial Church of Saints Quirico and Giuditta was built in Romanesque style; It has three portals: the southern one is attributed to Giovanni Pisanu. Inside there is an altarpiece by Sano di Pietro and a choir that dates from 1432- 1502. Palazzo Chigi dates from the 17th century. The "Horti Leonini" garden (16th century) is one of the first examples of an Italian-style garden. From August to October the garden hosts an exhibition of sculptures entitled "Forma nel Verde" (Form in the Green). The Romanesque church, Santa Maria Assunta (Saint Mary of the Assumption), is said to have been constructed on the ruins of a pre-Christian temple. The church of San Francesco (Saint Francis) houses two wooden, polychrome statues and a Madonna attributed to della Robbia. The nearby hamlet of BAGNO VIGNONI has been famous since the Roman times for its healing waters, which spring from the earth at a temperature of over 50 C and collect in the vast pool at the centre of the village creating a striking effect. In the portico at one end of the pool there is a small shrine dedicated to Saint Catherine of Siena. The Vignoni Castle overlooks the village and can be reached from either San Quirico or Bagno Vignoni; in fact reaching the Castle is a lovely walk through the beautiful Tuscan landscape.
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MONTALCINO
Montalcino (m 546) is located on top of a hill that overlooks the valleys of the Orcia, the Arbia and the Ombrone. In addition to the splendid panoramas, a tour of the village offers many mediaeval buildings to admire, beginning with the Palazzo Comunale. The historic seat of the Priors, the Palazzo Comunale was built in an austere style consisting on stones decorated with coats of arms. It is surmounted by a tall, slender tower and has impressive arcades supported by pointed Gothic arches dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Next to it there is the cathedral; built in neoclassical style on the site of an 11th century church, the baptistery houses a collection of interesting sculptures. In addition there are: the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help), built in 1600 on the site of a 15th century church close to the Porta al Corniolo; the Gothic- Romanesque church of Sant'Agostino (Saint Augustine); the church of Sant'Egidio (also known as the Church of the Sienese) dating from the beginning of the 14th century; and the church of San Francesco with its square tower. The Civic Museum houses a number of important works: Madonna with Child, and Saints John and Peter in terracotta by della Robbia from 1507, and a 15th century della Robbia terracotta of Saint Sebastian. The Museum of Archaeology houses finds of the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages, funerary urns and Etruscan pottery. In the Diocesan Museum are found: a Romanesque crucifix from the beginning of the 13th century, parts of an altarpiece by Luca di Tommè, and a Madonna with Child of the school of Duccio di Buoninsegna. Montalcino also owes its fame to the renowned Brunello wine.
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TREQUANDA
The mediaeval village of Trequanda is located in one of the most unspoiled regions of the province of Siena. The village originated around a 13th century castle, of which remains the majestic, crenellated tower. Trequanda is perched on the top of a hill, nestled in beautiful, natural surroundings of woods, vineyards and olive groves. Agriculture still thrives in this region and the production of oil, wine, honey, cheeses and cured meats is well known for its quality and quantity. At the heart of the historic centre is a bright and airy piazza. Overlooking the piazza is a 13th century, Romanesque church dedicated to Saints Peter and Andrew. The building's façade of dark and light stones produces a chromatic effect that is rare in this region. Inside there is a fresco of the Ascension by Sodoma and a triptych by Giovanni di Paolo.
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