ENGLISH VERSION

Characteristic studio that has been recently restructured respecting the Tuscany poor style. It is low ground located and it is composed of a living room with a small baking angle, firewood stew, conversation area with a sofa bed, a bathroom with shower.

All comforts and the necessary services for a full autonomy and comfortable stay are available: heating system, TV, sat, fridge. It is located in a charming village (Montalcinello) dipped in the green countryside of Siena and the metalliferous hills It commands a beautiful view in a calm and evocative position in all the seasons. In another times atmosphere the hosts will be able to take a walk through the ways of the little village, or in the countryside or visit the nearby villages (Belforte, Radicondoli, Travale) or to choose among the several proposed excursions. It is placed in a “strategic” position. From here you can possibly visit Siena (37 km) - Florence (70 km) - Follonica beach (50 km).

Val di Merse is in Tuscany, in the hills of the province of Siena. This land should be discovered slowly, if possible on horseback, drawn only by the curiosity of penetrating its spirit. To move around in Val di Merse is like going on a journey into the past, amid the hills where the falconers of Federik II of Swabia used to train their beasts to hunt the wild ducks and herons that still populate the skies here, together with kites and harrier eagles.

It is a place where you con abandon the frenzied rhythm of modern life and rediscover a slowness made to man’s measure.

MONTICIANO

Is in the valley of the river Merse, in a wild but hospitable land, surrounded by oak and chestnut groves.

We raccomend a visit to the Cave of the Hawks (Grotta dei Falchi).

This karstic cave winds through four chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites in magnificent colours.

As for art, the late-XIV “th” century Church of SS. Pietro e Paolo and the Cloister of the old convent overlooked by the refectory, the dormitory and the chapter hall, are remarkable.

CHIUSDINO

Has always been a defensive structure, as the fortified medieval castle shows. There are many remains from Saint Galgano’s life: the house where he was born and the Church of his Company with a bas-relief dated 1466. The Reliquary with the Saint’s head is conserved in the Church of San Michele. Recent archaeological excavation brought to light the ruins of the Castle of Miranduolo.

This was a very important discovery as it allows us to reconstruct life in XI “th” century medieval castles. On the municipal territory is also the Hermitage of Monte Siepi, which has a chapel frescoed in the XIV “th” century by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, depicting scenes from Saint Galgano’s life.

THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAN GALGANO

This abbey, in Gothic-Cistercian style, is the greatest attraction in Val di Merse. Building work began in 1218 on the site of an old chapel built on the dwelling of the hermit Galgano Guidotti. The plague epidemic of the XIV “th” century marked the beginning of its decline, and it was finally abandoned in the XVIII “th” century.

THE THERMAL SPA OF PETRIOLO

The ancient thermal spa was already popular among the Romans. It used to consist of 4 cross-vaulted chambres, but only one of these still exist. The remaining parts of the walls make it the only example we have of a fortified spa. The sulphurous waters gushing out at a temperature of 42° C are now used to treat respiratory and locomotive ailments, and for skin beauty treatments, in a modern spa open from May to October.

THE FLAVOURS OF VAL DI MERSE

Gastronomy in this area reflects its rural origins: simple dishes of game, vegetables, mushrooms and chestnuts. Wild boar is widely used: stewed, as steak or in sauce for homemade pappardelle (pasta). The “cinta senese” breed of pig is very well known: It is ideal for making ham and excellent salt-meats.

 

EVENTS IN VAL DI MERSE

The principal events are connected to medieval and culinari traditions. In May, the Medieval Towers Festival is held in Sovicille. In August the Ciaccino feast takes place in Chiusdino to celebrate this dish that is a substitute for bread. The Festival of Chiusdino lasts throughout the summer and features high quality cultural events. In Monticiano, celebrations for Easter Week begin on Easter Thursday and end on the Tuesday after Easter with a pilgrimage to the Hermitage of Camerata. In June the traditional town quarter contest is held. At the start summer, a Medieval Festival is Head in Murlo, an attempt to reconstruct as faithfully as possible the life and customs of those times.