ASCIANO AND THE CRETE SENESI

LE CRETE SENESI

ITINERARI NATURALISTICI | ASCIANO

NATURE ITINERARIES OF TUSCANY

Asciano is an ancient village nestled in the renowned Crete Senesi. The territory of Asciano has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by the discovery of an Etruscan necropolis. From Roman times, a large mosaic floor fragment from the 4th century AD is preserved in the heart of the historical center. The medieval history of Asciano dates back to the early 8th century, involving a dispute between the bishops of Siena and Arezzo over the ownership of several churches, including the Pieve di Asciano. Subjugated to the rule of the Tolomei family in the 13th century, the town returned to direct control by Siena in the mid-14th century until 1554 when, along with Siena, it became part of the Medici family.

The village still retains its typically medieval layout, offering a pleasant stroll through hidden corners that open onto unexpected squares or ancient historic buildings. Among the numerous points of interest, a visit to the Basilica of Sant'Agata is certainly worthwhile, as well as, within the religious context, the churches of Sant'Agostino and San Francesco. The latter houses a large altarpiece from the workshop of the Della Robbia, depicting "Madonna with Child and Angels," and a marble holy water font crafted by Antonio Ghini. Continuing along the streets of the historic center, one reaches the picturesque Piazza del Grano with its 15th-century fountain depicting allegories of a fascinating medieval culture, and the Palazzo del Podestà, with its ancient coats of arms. A stop at the nearby Museum of Palazzo Corboli is also a must, housing a rich collection of works organized into two sections: Sacred Art and Archaeology. The Daily Telegraph has elected it among the 15 most beautiful small museums in Italy.

Also of notable interest is the Cassioli Museum: the only one entirely dedicated to Sienese painting of the 19th century. Established in 1991 thanks to the significant bequest of works from the Cassioli family, originally from Asciano, and expanded in 2007 with the exhibition of numerous works owned by the "Duccio di Buoninsegna" Art High School in Siena, the museum is housed in a valuable building from the early 20th century. In the typical countryside of Asciano, in the heart of the Crete Senesi, a few kilometers from the village, lies the splendid Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a magnificent monastic complex and a treasure trove of art. The abbey was founded in the early 14th century by Blessed Bernardo Tolomei, a nobleman from Siena who abandoned luxury and wealth to dedicate himself to a life of poverty and solitude. The abbey was also an important religious, cultural, and economic center, particularly renowned and vital during the Renaissance.

Asciano is also crossed by the famous Via Lauretana, an ancient Etruscan-Roman road that connects Cortona to Montepulciano and Siena. One of Asciano's most characteristic folklore events is the "Palio dei Ciuchi," which sees the seven districts of the town compete through the streets every Sunday in September. In February, the historic Carnival of Asciano is celebrated, filled with confetti, streamers, music, shows, and pranks, bringing joy to the village streets. Additionally, in October, the passage of vintage bicycles through the historic center of Asciano is unmissable, thanks to "L'Eroica," a non-competitive cyclo-touristic event that has been held annually since 1997, recalling the cycling of the past, with routes mostly on gravel roads using vintage bicycles and clothing. An excellent product of the Crete Senesi is the White Truffle, celebrated annually in Asciano with the White Truffle Show Market, featuring visits to truffle grounds and tasting menus based on truffles. The autumn season is the best time to find this prestigious white truffle on these tables.

ASCIANO AND THE CRETE SENESI

Itinerari Naturalistici | Patrimonio Unesco

VAL D'ORCIA

La Val d’Orcia è un’ampia campagna situata in Toscana, nella provincia di Siena, a nord ed est del monte Amiata e vicina al confine con l’Umbria. Attraversata dal fiume Orcia al centro, che le dà il nome, è caratterizzata da gradevoli panorami paesaggistici e da svariati centri di origine medievale, due dei quali molto noti come Pienza e Montalcino. Albero caratteristico il cipresso, cibi e vini tipici i Pici, i salumi di Cinta senese, il Pecorino di Pienza, il Brunello di Montalcino e la nuova denominazione del vino DOC Orcia.

Il tipo ambientale prevalente sul Cono vulcanico del monte Amiata è dato dalla presenza di tipi fitocenotici molto rappresentativi (selve e cedui castanili), e peculiari (faggete mesotrofiche ipsofile) per l’isolamento orografico ed ecologico dell’edificio vulcanico. Discreto, a tratti ottimo, lo stato di conservazione. Altri tipi ambientali rilevanti sono le praterie secondarie.

LEARN MORE

Itinerari Naturalistici & Storici

PIENZA

Pienza è un comune italiano di 2013 abitanti della provincia di Siena in Toscana. Situato in Val d’Orcia, non è molto distante dalla strada statale Cassia e dagli altri due importanti centri della valle, San Quirico d’Orcia e Castiglione d’Orcia. Il centro storico è stato dichiarato dall’UNESCO patrimonio dell’umanità nel 1996.

Nel 2003, nella riserva naturale di Lucciola Bella, sono riemersi i resti fossili di un Etruridelphis giulii (mammifero marino simile ad un delfino) vissuto nella zona oltre 4,5 milioni di anni fa, in un periodo in cui gli attuali calanchi erano il fondale del mare tirrenico. Il fossile è stato considerato dagli studiosi di grande valore scientifico, perché si tratta del reperto più completo della specie esistente al mondo.

LEARN MORE