Siena has always been known for its art and history as well as nature.
There are several nature reserves to explore in Siena. All divided by rivers, as such making it very pleasant to swim in summer.
Along the course of one of these rivers, Il Farma, is a source of hot water where it is possible to swim in all seasons.
The Siena territory is rich in thermal waters and there are various spas and wellness centers. The nearest to us is Rapolano terme.
For those who love walking the "Via Francigena" is recommended, this historic pilgrimage route from northern Europe to Rome and Siena passes through San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Siena, and San Quirico d'Orcia. Our farm is along the old path of "Via Sanese", the Romea Chianti, or one of the streets in the Middle Ages pilgrims from Florence to get to Via Francigena which went down to Rome. The they intercepted in Siena a few km from our farm.
The route varies from zone to zone and includes the forest and vineyards of Chianti, the lunar landscape of the Crete Senesi, the lonely cypress trees of the Val d’Orcia like fingers pointing towards the sky.
There are many glimpses of both art and history among these gentle rolling hills: the numerous castles of the Chianti region, the Abbeys of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, San Galgano, Sant’ Antimo, la Certosa di Pontignano, to the historical villas and their gardens (Villa Celsa, Cetinale La Suvera, Geggiano...); in towns and cities, such as Medieval and Renaissance Siena, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Volterra, Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Florence, Arezzo. All reachable from a minimum of 10 minutes to a maximum of one hour.
The fascination of this area has attracted artists from all over the world, creating gardens, museums of contemporary art in the open air that one will find genuinely surprising in the middle of the countryside, providing perfect union between art and nature. To name but a few, Il Bosco della Ragnaia, Il Parco Sculture del Chianti, La Selva di Sogno, Il giardino di Daniel Spoerri.
Particular occasions to visit the area are for events such as Il Palio di Siena, Il Bravio delle Botti di Montepulciano, La festa Medievale di Monteriggioni.
Also for the excellent craftsmanship, the Crystal of Colle Val d'Elsa and the Alabaster of Volterra, or simply for the markets and the sagre (feasts and festivals):
The traditional outdoor markets, where you can find a little of everything, from clothing and household goods to flowers; and market for local produce, the so-called 0 Km.
Among the festivals are: of the Throstle in Montalcino, of the Artichokes of Chiusure in Asciano, the Truffle Market in San Giovanni d’Asso and the various festivals of the New Olive Oil which take place in Autumn when the olives are pressed.
Last but certainly not least the food and wine from Siena, the flavours of this cuisine and the famous wines (Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, Vernaccia di San Gimignano).
A country cuisine, both pure and simple but tasty, that consists in soups like Acquacotta, Ribollita, Pappa al Pomodoro; and also Panzanella (summer bread salad) and Pici (homemade spaghetti). Wild game meat and the famous Florentine steak from the native Chianina breed of cattle.
Another native breed is that of the Cinta Senese, a black pig with a white band, a sort of belt, from which you get excellent meat and cold cuts. This ancient breed is symbolised in the The Allegory of the Good Government, a medieval fresco by Ambrogio Lorenzetti on show in the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena.
Finally the desserts: the medieval Ricciarelli, Panforte, Copate, Cavallucci, but also the Pan co 'Santi, a dessert which is found only in the autumn as it is linked to the feast of All Saints..