Insider guides

Pienza is a well-known town, deeply connected with the history of our hamlet, because of Pope Pius II, member of the Piccolomini family. Not so popular though it's the ancient church of Pieve di Corsignano, just out of town.

At short distance from our hamlet there are two beautiful abbeys: S. Antimo, among Brunello vineyards, and Monte Oliveto Maggiore, with its frescoed cloister. Two perfect settings to listen to Gregorian chants.

Let's start from our hamlet. An enchanting combination of peacefulness, stunning views of the Tuscan hills, ancient stones and signs of the past, all influenced by the history of the Piccolomini family. A trip down memory lane!

We can book for you a special guided tour of the rooftops and ceiling of the Duomo in Siena. A rare opportunity to visit the Cathedral from a unique point of view.

Each year around April 25 in Chiusure there's the traditional Artichoke Fair: an opportunity to taste good dishes made with this ingredient. An enjoyable way to reach this nice village is the path that starts from San Giovanni d'Asso.

If you like "The English Patient", you cannot miss the visit of S.Anna in Camprena monastery, just out of our hamlet. This was the location of all the Tuscan scenes of the popular movie. Also remarkable the refectory frescoed by Sodoma.

At just 5km from our hamlet, The Bosco della Ragnaia is a woodland park perfect to escape the summer heat. The American artist Sheppard Craige started his work in 1996 and he is still expanding the gardens.

A nice walk between art and nature in this park on the slopes of Mount Amiata. 100 works of contemporary art spread in an area of 16 hectares, open to the public from Easter to October.

Carlotta is a young artist making beautiful papier-mâché sculptures. She also produces picture books for children, handmade photo albums, wall murales and small gadgets. A true shop of arts and crafts in the heart of Montalcino.

Located in the charming village of Montisi, Vitis Vinifera is a new way to approach wines, cheeses and cold cuts from all over Italy. For the afternoon a good selection of leaf teas and pastries. A wine bar, a tea room and much more.

The interesting exhibition of the "Biccherna" paintings inside the Palazzo Piccolomini in Siena (now State Archive). 105 wooden paintings used as covers of administrative registers: a journey through five centuries of history of Siena.

In summer there are many music festivals in our surroundings: Incontri in Terre di Siena; Estate Musicale Chigiana; Crete Senesi Festival; Harpsichord concerts by Piccola Accademia Montisi and the Opera Festival in S.Galgano Abbey.

In 2003 in the countryside around Sarteano an amazing frescoed tomb dating back to 4th century BC was discovered. A guided tour inside this wonderful Etruscan tomb is a journey through time that reveals many aspects of this ancient people.

In our area there are two wonderful old trees: The Magpies' Oak south of Pienza and the big holm on the Pieve a Salti road. Perfect places to organize a picnic with friends.

Among the many Brunello wineries around Montalcino I chose Romitorio for its interesting mixture of nature and art (made by artist Sandro Chia) and for the kindness of Tullia and Daniele, your guides in the world of Brunello wine.