Are you just passing through? Three essential places to visit without losing sight of the destination

Once in Valdichiana Senese, you cannot miss out on visiting these three representative places of a millenary territory.

Valdichiana Senese is full of beauties, events of cultural interest and food and wine excellences to be tasted. To appreciate all that this area of ​​Tuscany has to offer, and thus grasp its true local essence, the ideal would be a long stay, in the name of relaxation and tranquility, however, if you only have a few hours available, you can’t not visit these essential locations!

Temple of San Biagio – Montepulciano

This Renaissance masterpiece is a truly unique piece, capable of leaving tourists and non-tourists alike speechless. The church is located in the center of a flat lawn and its position, outside the city, in the midst of an extraordinary landscape, highlights its grandeur. The Temple, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder at the behest of Pope Leo X, son of Lorenzo the Magnificent, is an exceptional synthesis between the artistic language of the Renaissance, inspired by the perfection of the classics, and the religious devotion from which the building of the church sprang. Not only an architectural marvel, the Temple is also a meeting place for the inhabitants of Montepulciano: visiting San Biagio on a spring afternoon means coming into contact with both the young and the old, who share the lawn in total harmony, reconciling the sacredness of the Church with the conviviality of the Valdichiana Senese.

Tomb of the Infernal Chariot – Sarteano

For all lovers of history and art, a visit to the Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga is a must if you are passing through the Valdichiana Senese. A sensational archaeological discovery, the Tomb offers a unique testimony of the Etruscan imagination of the afterlife. Cold and wet, the explosion of bright red on the left side of the corridor, where a chariot is represented running towards the underworld, led by a demon with flaming hair, will literally leave you speechless.  A little further on, a banquet scene with two men, perhaps father and son reconciled in the afterlife, perhaps two lovers. At the bottom of the tomb, a sarcophagus and two spectacular representations.  On one wall a hippocampus, on the other a three-headed snake that you will hardly forget, so extraordinary that it inspired one of Alessandro Michele's Gucci creations.

Pietraporciana Nature Reserve – Chianciano Terme and Sarteano

If from a visit to the Valdichiana Senese you expect gentle hills and soft views of the surrounding valleys, you will be surprised by the numerous parks and woods that enrich the naturalistic heritage of this corner of Tuscany: real oases of peace outside the most popular itineraries, ideal for outdoor activities, either on foot or by bike. The Pietraporciana Reserve, between Chianciano Terme and Sarteano, can only be reached by following dirt roads, surrounded by an unspoiled and silent natural landscape. After passing the majestic centuries-old beech forest at the entrance to the Reserve, you will be able to reach the top of the Pietraporciana hill, where you will enjoy a breathtaking view that also embraces Mount Amiata.

And once visited?

The journey continues with Valdichiana Living! Take a look at the discovering section, download the information materials in the download area or write to us at info@valdichianaliving.it and we will be happy to accompany you to discover the Valdichiana Senese.