PROVINCIA DI SIENA DELLA TOSCANA
Abbadia San Salvatore - located about 70 km from Siena, this is one of the oldest monasteries in Tuscany. It was important during the Middle Ages as it was on what was known as the Via Francigena — the pilgrim route from northern Europe to Rome.
The medieval village is now surrounded by suburbs, the the village still has its outer walls and streets. The medieval and Renaissance houses are built of grey stone from the area.
The Benedettine abbey at one time was very rich and held a fair amount of power. It was awarded a range of privileges by Popes and Emperors of Italy. For a fair amount of time the Abbey had feudal jurisdiction over most of the south of Tuscany.
Founded in 743 on the spot where Lombard King Ratchis had a vision. The abbeye was rebuilt in 1035. Power fell away, it became under the rule of Siena in 1347 and then part of the Medici state in 1559.
Grand Duke Leopoldo II took away its powers in 1783 with its treasury and archives taken to Florence. In 1939 a Benedictine community became established in the abbey.
Asciano — this town still holds its medieval character although there were plenty of attempts after the Second World War by planners to destroy it.
The Collegiate Church Sant' Agata, in Romanesque style, dates from the 11th Century and built of travertine is the building of note to see in this town. With decorative elements and a 13th century crenellated campanile.
Buonconvento — driving along the walls of this town caught our attention, and since it was near the lunch break we stopped. We were very glad we did. A scenic little town.
Still behind the walls built by the Sienese in 1371. The impressive northern gate remains and is an significant entrance into this, the capital of the province of Tuscany.
We previously visited this town and found it to be a enjoyable stop along the drive of Tuscany towns.
Buonconvento held political power dating back to 1270. The facade of the Town Hall has the coats-of-arms of 25 podesta - the ruling families.
Of note in this town is good food and wine. Try the Val d'Arbia DOC white wine and vinsanto. The white truffles from the Sienese Clay Hills are expensive, but where else would you eat them?
The Sacred Art Museum holds works of art from the local churches: paintings, wooden and marble sculptures.
Around the area are castles scattered here and there that include the fortress of Bibbiano Guiglieschi which is over a thousand years old. Castelnuovo Tancredi has a complex architectural site.
Casole d'Elsa — is a town of buildings built of ancient brick. Established by the Eetruscans it became part of the holdings of the Bishop of Volterra and then passed over under the rule of Siena. La Rocca is the most impressive of the buildings that remain.
Castellina in Chianti
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Castiglione d'Orcia
Cetona
Chianciano Terme — There are two areas. The Chianciano Vecchia (Ancient Chianciano) is located on the top of the hill. The Porta Rivellini is the main gateway into the town at the end of the Via Dante.
The modern section is built around the thermal springs. It is more modern but considered among the finest health resorts in Italy. The water is known for theraputic results that cleanse the liver.
Chiusdino — is typical of the hilltop villages. There is a group of grey stone houses on narrow steep and winding streets. Lots of steps and archways.
Chiusi — there is a large number of Etruscan tombs in the surrounding countryside.
Colle di Val d'Elsa — became known as the Bohemia of Italy in the 19 century. Today it is an authentic "Crystal City", producing 15% of the world's crystal. Today there is the wall around the town, a grand gatge on the road to Volterra, a 16th Century cathedral and a number of small museums.
Montalcino - a small hilltown is located to the west of Pienza, close to Crete Senesi, an area in the surroundings of Siena of picturesque hills and woods among villages. The small town is renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino wine, made of a grape called Sangioveto Grosso, a clone of Chianti's Sangiovese, carefully handled and extra-aged, a DOC wine since 1966.
Montepulciano — one of the hill towns that is grand and a must on any visit to the area. Returning on a recent trip we were once again taken by the architecture of this town. You can drive up to the top and visit start your tour there as an alternative to walking up what seems to be the endless curving main street.
Monteriggioni — one of the most classical and best known Italian walled towns.
Monteroni d'Arbia
Monticiano — S. Agostino, dating from the 1300's the church has an interior remodelled in Baroque style. In the adjacent ex convent are preserved 1400s frescoes.
Murlo
Piancastagnaio
Pienza - one of our favorite places.
San Gimignano - San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill-top town, about a 35 minute drive north-west of Siena, mainly famous for its medieval architecture.
Rich families competed in the erection of high towers, that served as lodgings, fortresses and prestige symbols. While in other cities like Bologna or Florence, most or all of the towers have been brought down due to wars, catastrophes or urban renewal, San Gimignano managed to conserve about 50 towers of varying height, while the modern town has extended some kilometres out.
The town, also known for the white wine grown in the area, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sarteano even though this town is noted in tourist guides because of the ancient artifacts etc that are in the town, we did a walk through and were out in less than an hour. We did find, however, a great place to say that was just outside of the town.
Siena - This is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will echo that designation with your visit. This is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Italy. It was conquerored by Florence and while they were budy with Florence, Siena sat there pretty much untouched.
There is much to see in terms of the churches and museums as well at the atmosphere of the place.
The Palazzo Pubbilco and the Torre del Mangia are sights to see. You can go a book a time slot to climb the tower. The tower dates to 1848 and is 102 metres high - go to the top have get great views.
The Palazzo Pubblico was built between 1297 and 1342 and is Tuscan classic Gothic architecture. Inside are an amazing array of frescoes.
The Piazza del Campo, the shell-shape piazza is the centre of the city. The Fonte Gaia is an unqiue fountain with a quadrangular shape and figures along the sides. This is a copy. The original by Jacopo della Quercia is now in Santa Maria della Scala, but a copy by Tito Sarrocchi is in its place.
Of course one of the primary sites is the Duomo of Siena. A mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture with dark green and white marble in the facade. Lots of art inside. The marble-inlaid floor are unforgetable. The floors are only all uncovered during September. At the rest of the time specific sections are uncovered and open for viewing. The Duomo has an impressive museum.
The Church of San Domenico has a fresco by Andrea Vanni representing Saint Catherine. Also see the chapel with a wonderful marble altar on the left side. The crypt has a a golden cross painted by artist Sano di Pietro.
The Church of San Agostino also has great artwork. Inside, the 15th-century chapel, the Bichi chapel, has frescoes by Martini and Signorelli. The Piccolomini chapel has a fresco by Lorenzetti.
The Piazza Salimbeni has a numer of buildings of note. The Palazzo Salimbeni is the headquarters of the Sienese bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena - dating back more than 500 years. The collection of paintings inside are availalbe to see by appointment.