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THE SURROUNDINGS OF SIENA
BETWEEN HISTORY AND NATURE
Crossing the city gates means diving into one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. Siena is surrounded by lands that look as if painted by the brush of a Renaissance artist. To the south stretch the Crete Senesi, with their rolling hills that change color with the seasons, offering an almost lunar scene, broken only by lonely rows of cypresses.
A little farther on opens the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO heritage site, where villages like Pienza and San Quirico seem suspended in time. To the north, instead, the landscape becomes more wooded and orderly: this is the Chianti area, famous worldwide for its vineyards and silvery olive groves. Exploring the surroundings of Siena, perhaps walking a stretch of the Via Francigena, lets you discover Romanesque parish churches, medieval castles and natural thermal springs, completing the travel experience with a deep connection to the nature and history of the land.
CURIOSITY
THE ADVICE
ATTRACTION
Vespa Rental For a truly Tuscan experience, rent a Vespa. It’s the best way to ride along the winding roads of the Sienese hills, enjoying the views and scents of the countryside
The Abbey of San Galgano About 30 minutes from Siena, visit this striking roofless abbey and the nearby Hermitage of Montesiepi, where the real "Sword in the Stone" is kept.
The White Roads The dirt roads linking the villages are not only beautiful: their pale color is due to the limestone nature of the soil, typical of the Crete Senesi landscape.
Tourist Information
Scenic Viewpoints: For the perfect cypress photo, head to the spot "I Triboli" on Via Cassia or to Agriturismo Baccoleno in the Crete Senesi at sunset.
Transport: While the main villages are connected by bus (Tiemme), to enjoy the more remote landscapes it is strongly recommended to use your own vehicle or rent an e-bike.
Travel time: Don’t underestimate distances: the roads are very winding and speeds are low. Allow about 40-50 minutes to reach the Val d’Orcia villages from Siena.