Monticiano

Among the beautiful hills of Terre di Siena is Monticiano with all its authenticity. Its territory is crossed by the Merse and Farma rivers which give life to two magnificent natural reserves, places of peace and tranquillity.

The natural reserve of the Farma torrent is situated between Monticiano and Roccastrada and has an extension of 1500 hectares of hills characterized by woods, small areas used for cultivation and pasture plots. The Natural Reserve of Alto Merse is located between Chiusdino, Monticiano. Both areas are surrounded by woods of century-old trees and represent a valid alternative for excursions, thermal baths and out-of-town trips.

We are talking about thermal baths because very close to the two reserves mentioned above, there are the Petriolo Thermal Baths whose therapeutic sources flow at 43° and are rich in salts and beneficial properties. This oasis of well-being has always been highly appreciated and frequented by the most illustrious families in history such as the Medici, Malatesta and Gonzaga families.

In the Monticiano area there is also the famous Kurt Laurenz Metzler Garden, founded in 1995. The Swiss author used the Sienese landscape as a scenic space to theatrically arrange his sample of about 50 coloured human figures in iron, marble, aluminium and bronze that portray the relationship between man and the territory.

The oldest part of the village of Monticiano is situated on a hill from the top of which you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the valley of the river Merse.

In Monticiano there are several very interesting churches to visit both for their composition and for the variety and importance of the artistic works inside.

To remember the origins of this town, every year in October the Palio dei Ciuchi is celebrated, a donkey race in medieval costume that brings us back to the past.