*30 minutes or less drive; ** 60 minutes drive; *** 90 minutes drive; **** 2 hours drive
**Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore: 14th century abbey founded by a wealthy Sienese, Tolomei, and home to della Robbia terracottas; a wonderful fresco cycle (Signorelli and Il Sodoma) depicting the life of Saint Benedict, surrounding the main cloister; gorgeous intarsia (wood inlay) choir stalls; a library with ancient manuscripts and books; and a fine **restaurant (restaurant is closed Tuesdays; do not go on the weekend if you want to eat here: it is a very popular spot for big Italian family get-togethers, and you probably won’t find a table unless you’ve booked way ahead: tel. 0577-707022). In fact, get there early AM for most peaceful visit, and go for an early lunch, before being overrun by busloads of tourists. The volunteer guides are knowledgeable art students; tip them generously.)
**Abbazia di San Antimo (Romanesque abbey
founded by Charlemagne). The church has a beautiful interior, with sun
glowing through translucent travertine; a lovely valley setting; and
Gregorian chants by monks. It’s at the end of the Montalcino to San
Antimo hike (see MAPS). There are a couple of restaurants in the little
hill town of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, above the abbey.
**Bagni San Filippo (Approx. 40 km SW ; lovely thermal baths)
**Bagno Vignoni: (about 25 km west) hot springs used by the Romans, public baths since medieval times
*Cetona (Approx. 7 km SE): nearest village to Sarteano. Medieval with Etruscan origins; 11th Colleggiata with 14th cent. frescoes, including an Assunzione by Pinturicchio.
*Chianciano Terme (Approx. 10 km N: “Seriously rich spa town” with grand hotels, pine clad hills, fur coats. Home of “Aqua Santa” supposedly great for “a healthy liver.”)
*Chiusi (Approx. 8 km E: nearest train station, approx. 20 minutes by car or bus); Etruscan burial grounds (famous tombs of Pellegrina, Scimmia, Granduca, and Bonci Casuccini). In Chiusi visit: the National Etruscan Museum to find which tombs are currently open, and possibly arrange a tour; Underground Chiusi with Etruscan mausoleum and Christian catacombs
*Citta della Pieve(approx. 18 km S.E.) birthplace of Pietro Vannuci, also known by his nickname Perugino. His frescoes are found in the 12th century Cathedral of St. Gervasio and St. Protasio; the 13th century Church and Oratory of St. Maria dei Bianchi contains the painting "The Epiphany", also by Perugino.
**Cortona: home of “Under the Tuscan Sun” author; quintessential high Tuscan medieval fortress town, steep streets, Museo Diocesano (with pieces by Fra Angelico, Duccio, Lorenzetti, Luca Signorelli). Beginning/end of a great ring walk which takes in the idyllic Franciscan retreat of La Celle. Can get pretty touristed in high season.
***FLORENCE (Firenze): 90 min. by fast train from Chiusi station
*La Foce (See above): Formal gardens open Wed. 3-5 pm, tours; frequent classical music concerts in summer
**Lago Trasimeno (Castiglione del Lago): this, Italy’s 4th largest lake, is where Hannibal defeated 16,000 Romans in 217 BC; an island, Isola Maggiore, is known for its lacemaking.
**Montalcino (Approx. 45 km NE : Quintessential Siennese town with 14th century Rocca (castle); famous for Brunello wine. Start of a great day hike, Montalcino to Abbazia San Antimo.
***Monte Amiata (Approx. 50 (convoluted) km SW): 5700 ft., extinct volcano; nice walks (Fosso della Crocca), wildlife; skiing in winter.
*Montepulciano (Approx. 15 km NW): fabulous hill
town, visible for miles: Renaissance San Biagio; 16th cent.
Santa Maria delle Grazie; concerts;
traditional Bruscello plays in Piazza Grande; etc., etc.
Eat at Borgo Buio ,Via Borgo Buio 10, closed
Thurs. Nearby medieval village of Montefollonico has
(reportedly) one of the best restaurants in Italy, La Chiusa ($$$)
tel. 0577-669668
**Orvieto: great town built on a tufa cliff, less than 1 hour south on the A1; incredible duomo (one of Italy’s best Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals), wine, 203-ft. deep well with double-helix steps, 248 of them—but it’s cool!
**Perugia: less than 1 hour east; Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, with altarpieces by Piero della Francesca and Fra Angellico, is among its many delights. UmbriaJazz festival in July.
**Pienza (Approx. 23 km NW, over slow beautiful roads): an “exquisite Renaissance dolls’ house” created by Pope Pius II in 1458.
*Pitigliano: 1 hour east of Orvieto (or a long and beautiful trip south via Monte Amiata): medieval town of Etruscan origins on dramatic tufa cliff; Orsini palazzo/Etruscan museum; many Etruscan tombs; synagogue (Pitigliano was once known as “Little Jerusalem”, as it served as a refuge for Jews fleeing religious persecution in the Papal states.) Kosher wine/bakery; two resident Jewish families in Pitigliano now keep the (restored) synagogue open for visits. Good hiking area.
***ROME (Roma): 70 min. by fast train from Chiusi station)
**San Casciano dei Bagne (Approx. 20 km S): spa resorts, 11th century church, Castle of Fighine (639 meters above sea level), now a farm
***Siena: (about 70 minutes northwest by car; 1 ½ hour by train from Chiusi station