Our Region - La Valdichiana
Montepulciano
Perched on a ridge overlooking the rolling vineyards of the Valdichiana, Montepulciano is a jewel of Tuscany, blending centuries of history with a vibrant cultural scene. The town, said to have been founded by the Etruscan king Porsenna, boasts stunning Renaissance architecture designed by masters like Michelozzo, Baldassarre Peruzzi, Vignola, and Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio, who crafted the magnificent Temple of San Biagio.
Montepulciano is also synonymous with fine wine, particularly Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of Italy’s most prestigious red wines. A visit isn’t complete without a tasting at one of the town’s historic wine cellars, many of which are hidden beneath noble palaces.
Beyond its artistic and gastronomic appeal, Montepulciano is alive with tradition. Each summer, it hosts the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte, an innovative arts festival, and in mid-August, the Bruscello, a captivating folk play performed in rhyme on the steps of the cathedral. The highlight of the year is the Bravìo delle Botti on August 29, when competitors from the town’s districts roll massive wine barrels through the steep streets in a thrilling race, accompanied by a medieval parade.
For those seeking relaxation, the nearby spa town of S. Albino offers rejuvenating thermal waters, making Montepulciano a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and well-being.
Cortona
Perched at 600 meters, Cortona commands spectacular views over the Val di Chiana, stretching as far as Lake Trasimeno. Once a powerful Etruscan city, traces of its ancient walls remain, blending seamlessly with medieval alleyways and stone buildings that give the town its timeless charm. Its steep, winding streets are lined with artisan shops, inviting cafés, and historic landmarks.
The Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca showcases remarkable artifacts, including the famed Etruscan Chandelier and the Polyhymnia Muse, while the Museo Diocesano preserves masterpieces by Luca Signorelli, a native of Cortona, and Beato Angelico. Religious heritage thrives in churches such as San Francesco and San Domenico, along with Renaissance treasures like Santa Maria Nuova and San Niccolò.
Beyond the town’s walls, history and spirituality continue to intertwine. Etruscan tombs in Sodo and Tanella di Pitagora stand as echoes of an ancient past, while the Convento delle Celle, founded by St. Francis of Assisi, offers a place of reflection.
Overlooking it all, the Sanctuary of Santa Margherita and the Girifalco Fortress provide stunning panoramas and a glimpse into Cortona’s rich past. A town of history, art, and sweeping landscapes, Cortona invites visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic heart of Tuscany.
Pienza
Nestled in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, Pienza is a Renaissance gem, famously redesigned in the 15th century by Pope Pius II to reflect his vision of the "ideal city." A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is a masterpiece of harmony and elegance, offering breathtaking views of the rolling Tuscan landscape.
At its center is Piazza Pio II, flanked by architectural treasures like Palazzo Piccolomini, with its stunning loggia, and the Cathedral, whose luminous interior reflects Renaissance ideals. Wandering through Pienza’s charming streets, visitors find hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and spectacular panoramas at every turn.
Pienza is also a paradise for food lovers, renowned for its Pecorino di Pienza, a rich, flavorful sheep’s milk cheese. The town hosts cheese festivals and tastings, making it a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.
Beyond its artistic and gastronomic appeal, Pienza embraces tradition with lively cultural events. Festivals celebrating its heritage fill the streets with music, markets, and processions, offering visitors an immersive experience of authentic Tuscan life.
A town of vision, beauty, and tradition, Pienza is where the Renaissance dream meets the timeless charm of the Tuscan countryside.
Arezzo
Arezzo is a city where history, art, and tradition come together in a setting of timeless beauty. Once an important Etruscan and Roman settlement, it flourished in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, leaving behind an extraordinary artistic and architectural legacy.
At the heart of the city is Piazza Grande, a stunning, sloping square framed by medieval towers and Renaissance palaces. This iconic space becomes the stage for the Giostra del Saracino, a historic jousting tournament that brings Arezzo’s medieval past to life twice a year.
Arezzo is home to artistic treasures, including the Basilica of San Francesco, which houses Piero della Francesca’s masterpiece, The Legend of the True Cross, a breathtaking cycle of frescoes. Other must-see sites include the Cathedral of San Donato, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Medici Fortress, offering panoramic views over the city.
The birthplace of poet Petrarch and Giorgio Vasari, Arezzo has long been a hub of creativity. Today, its vibrant culture continues with antique fairs, artisan workshops, and lively festivals, making it a fascinating destination where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony.
Lake Trasimeno
A shimmering expanse of water set against rolling hills, Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake in peninsular Italy (128 km²) and a protected Regional Park. Its scenic shores blend gentle slopes and fertile plains, opening towards the Val di Chiana, while its northern reaches form a natural border between Umbria and the neighboring Tuscany provinces of Siena and Arezzo.
Formed by ancient tectonic movements, Trasimeno has no natural outlet, relying on rainfall and several small tributaries, including the Rigo Maggiore, Tresa, and Moiano streams. An artificial canal regulates its water levels, connecting to the Nestore River and ultimately the Tiber.
The lake’s tranquil beauty makes it a haven for nature lovers, with idyllic islands, wetlands, and lush countryside teeming with wildlife. Visitors can explore charming lakeside towns, enjoy boat trips to Isola Maggiore, or simply soak in the serene landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.
Siena
A city of timeless beauty and medieval splendor, Siena is one of Tuscany’s most captivating destinations. Enclosed by well-preserved city walls, its historic center—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a maze of narrow streets and red-brick buildings that transport visitors back to the Middle Ages.
At its heart is the stunning Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, famous for the Palio di Siena, a thrilling bareback horse race held twice a year. The square is dominated by the Torre del Mangia, offering breathtaking views, and the elegant Palazzo Pubblico, home to masterpieces like Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government.
Siena’s Duomo, an architectural masterpiece of Gothic splendor, dazzles with its striped marble façade and interiors adorned by artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, and Pinturicchio. Nearby, the Piccolomini Library showcases exquisite frescoes that bring Renaissance art to life.
Beyond its artistic treasures, Siena is a city of lively traditions, excellent cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether exploring its Contrade (districts), indulging in local specialties like pici pasta and panforte, or simply soaking in its historic charm, Siena offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tuscany.