What to visit before arriving in Siena?

colline Senesi

Art, history and nature: the treasures of the Sienese territory

Welcome to the green hills of Tuscany! Among olive trees, vineyards and cypress trees, country roads wind their way connecting ancient medieval villages, renowned wineries, hot springs and majestic monuments. We are here to give you some advice on what to visit before you get to Siena.

Siena is surrounded by endless wonders and territories just waiting to be discovered.

The Site Transitoire in the municipality of Asciano is a stone sculpture created by Jean-Paul Philippe set in the beautiful landscape of the Crete Senesi between Leonina and Mucigliani. The work depicts a window where the sun is perfectly centred during the summer solstice. An unmissable spectacle for those who love art and nature.

If you crave peace and relaxation, the area offers the most beautiful spas in Italy. Treat yourself to a day at the hot springs of Rapolano Terme. Choose between Terme Antica Querciolaia and Terme San Giovanni, in both you will feel pampered and rejuvenated by the thermal waters and the surrounding, peaceful views.

Another must-see place that will leave you speechless is the remains of Tuscany’s most famous roofless abbey, the Abbey of San Galgano. A little farther away, is the hermitage of Montesiepi, which holds the famous sword in the rock set by St. Galgano.

 

abazia San Galgano
Abbey of San Galgano

 

From legend to timeless charm: the Chianti Senese is an area rich in hamlets, castles and wineries where you can taste the area’s wines. We highly recommend a visit to Brolio Castle, famous for its beautiful gardens as well as its tastings of the best Chianti reds. Art lovers will appreciate the Chianti Sculpture Park in the heart of the picturesque Sienese countryside. It’s an open-air museum in the hills of the province of Siena, displaying the works of twenty-seven artists from around the world. A unique experience combining art and nature.

Bagno Vignoni is a village with one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, the Piazza delle Sorgenti, with a thermal water pool at its centre surrounded by Renaissance buildings and elegant loggias.

Bagni San Filippo is a small town with open-access spas hidden in the green woods at the foot of Mount Amiata.

Pienza, is a small village south of Siena overlooking the entire Val d’Orcia, known as the ‘perfect’ city of the Renaissance.

 

Val D'orcia
Val D’orcia

 

In short, Siena is surrounded by an extraordinary land full of enchanting places to discover. It’s a good idea to stay overnight in the city and then move around to explore all the surrounding area!

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