What to see in the area
A few km from Siena, Montepulciano and San Gimignano
Siena is a city universally known for its huge historical, artistic and landscape heritage and for its substantial stylistic unity of medieval street furniture, as well as for the famous Palio. In 1995 , its historic center was included in the World Heritage Site by UNESCO . Unmissable, among the many wonders, are the Basilica of San Domenico, the House of Santa Caterina, the Church of San Cristoforo, the Duomo, the National Archaeological Museum, Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia.
Exploring the surroundings of Siena , you will be able to admire an enchanting landscape, which seems immutable over time. After visiting Siena, you can venture out to discover its province. In the heart of Tuscany , between the Chianti hills, the Val d'Orcia, the Crete Senesi, the Valle di Chiana and the Valle d'Elsa, you will find picturesque medieval villages , renowned wine cellars, ancient spas hidden in the woods or in the squares of villages, imposing abbeys shrouded in legend.
We suggest a visit to these locations:
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is located on top of a hill between the Val di Chiana and the Val d'Orcia. It is a fascinating medieval village with Etruscan roots, characterized by Renaissance palaces, ancient churches and enchanting squares, with panoramic views of the Tuscan hills covered in vineyards. Famous for Vino Nobile , one of the most prized Italian reds with a controlled and guaranteed designation of origin, its historic center is surrounded by ancient walls and is home to wonderful palaces and sumptuous residences built by noble families during the 14th and 15th centuries. Among its main attractions are the Duomo and the church of Sant'Agostino, characterized by its precious Renaissance-style façade.
Saint Gimignano
San Gimignano , in the Middle Ages, was often compared to New York due to the large number of towers in its skyline. It is said that once there were 72 of them, but today there are only 13 left. Despite this, the city is still highly appreciated and is part of the World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO . The historic centre, including Piazza della Cisterna, has remained almost intact over the centuries, surrounded by tower houses and noble palaces. Among the buildings to visit are the Torre Grossa, the Torture Museum and the Santa Fina Spezieria. Not least are the frescoes of the Cathedral and the Church of Sant'Agostino, as well as the masterpieces of the Civic Museum of the Town Hall.
Monteriggioni
Located just twenty kilometers from Siena , there is the charming village of Monteriggioni . It extends over a gentle hill with olive trees and vines, surrounded by perfectly preserved medieval walls that recall the shape of the hill itself. The fort was built in the early 13th century as a defense of Colle Val d'Elsa and had fourteen guard towers and two access gates, Porta Romea or Franca, facing Rome, and Porta Fiorentina, facing Florence. The walls have remained intact and were a source of inspiration for Dante in his XXXI canto of Hell. The city is a stop on the Via Francigena, an ideal itinerary for a visit on foot or by bicycle.
Greve and Montefioralle
In the mountainous region between Florence and Siena you will find an enchanting panorama, dotted with chestnut, oak and holm oak forests, picturesque medieval villages, romantic castles, wonderful farms and, above all, vast fields of vineyards. This is the heart of Tuscany, where the famous Chianti red wine is produced and appreciated throughout the world. Making a stop in the medieval village of Greve to taste this ancient wine is an obligatory stop, before continuing towards Montefioralle , a fortified village of great charm, dominated by an ancient castle.