Foiano della Chiana: Art, Carnival and Trails

Foiano della Chiana offers practical starting points for planning a stay: church art, historic architecture, the Carnival tradition and trails through the Valdichiana Aretina countryside. If you are looking for a hotel in town, you can plan your stay around what matters most to you: art and architectural history, the history of the Carnival, or a trail through the countryside.

Art and history in the townscape

You can reach Piazza Cavour, traditionally known by local residents as “Piazz’Alta”, via a staircase beneath the arch of the Torre Civica. Another historic landmark is the Palazzo delle Logge: in the 16th century it was a Medici hunting residence; today it houses the Biblioteca Comunale.

Several churches are associated with specific works of art. The Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, formerly the Chiesa di San Domenico, houses the “Ascensione di Gesù”, a polychrome glazed terracotta work attributed to Andrea and Giovanni della Robbia and dated 1495–1500. The Collegiata di San Martino houses Luca Signorelli’s large altarpiece, “Incoronazione della Vergine”. The Chiesa della Ss. Trinità houses the oil painting “La Ss. Trinità con Angeli e Santi” by Antonio Cercignani, known as Il Pomarancio.

A church in Foiano della Chiana also houses the glazed terracotta work “Madonna della Cintola with San Tommaso and San Leonardo”, attributed to Andrea Della Robbia and dated 1502. The Museo Civico di Foiano was established in 1975 in the Chiesa-museo della Fraternita di Santa Maria, also known as Sant’Eufemia. The municipal art trail “Cinque chiese...un museo” explores the artistic heritage of the castle of Foiano della Chiana, its five churches and the Tempio di S. Stefano alla Vittoria. In this way, individual works and a broader overview of the artistic heritage offer distinct ways to explore the area.

Carnival and events

A provision in the community statutes of 1539 attests to the tradition of the Carnevale di Foiano della Chiana. During the Carnival, four large allegorical floats compete and parade before a jury of nationally renowned art experts. The Carnival ends with the public burning of Re Giocondo during the Rificolonata ceremony. The competition and closing ceremony are therefore two distinct parts of the tradition described here.

Foiano in Fiore is also one of the town’s historic events. At its 40th edition, held in the historic centre on 18 and 19 April 2026, the historic flower fair was devoted to gardening, crafts and art. The programme included events, exhibitions and activities for families.

Getting here and trails

Whether travelling from the north or south, take the Valdichiana exit on the A1. From there, it is about 5 km to Foiano della Chiana. The nearest railway stations are Arezzo and Terontola-Cortona; check train connections separately for your travel dates.

The 5 km nature trail runs between the Chiesa di San Francesco in Foiano della Chiana and the Tempio di Santa Vittoria in Pozzo della Chiana. The Percorso delle Bonifiche has a different focus: it approaches Foiano and passes through landscapes and alongside historic landmarks in the Valdichiana Aretina. The first trail is defined by its length and two endpoints, while the Percorso delle Bonifiche focuses on landscapes and traces of history.

Wine route and regional traditions

Foiano della Chiana lies on the Strada del Vino Terre di Arezzo. This route crosses the entire Arezzo wine-growing area and offers the opportunity to explore and sample local specialities and DOC wines. The wine route is a distinct consideration when choosing where to stay, alongside church art and walking trails.

A seasonal culinary tradition is the Ciambellino di Foiano. During the Easter period, this large ring-shaped biscuit made from flour and eggs is traditionally eaten dipped in Vin Santo. Together with the wine route, this custom offers a tangible glimpse of the region’s food and wine culture.

Discover more destinations: Pozzo Della Chiana, Monterchi, Cortona, Fasciano, San Clemente In Valle, Pieve Vecchia, Manzi, Pieve al Toppo.

For the wider travel overview: Arezzo.