Borgo Santa Rita: Village History and Motorsport

When choosing a place to stay, it helps to consider the different sides of Borgo Santa Rita: the village lies along the Ombrone Valley, and its history stretches from earlier settlement periods to the founding of the modern village. Borgo Santa Rita is also connected with motorsport. These themes span different periods. The area has been settled from Etruscan and Roman times through the Middle Ages; the modern village developed only in the mid-20th century and was inaugurated in 1964. Courses at the MX track can provide a specific reason for a trip, but you should check their dates and participation requirements in advance.

Location between the Ombrone and Orcia

Borgo Santa Rita lies on the western edge of the Val d’Orcia. The village stretches along the Ombrone Valley; the Ombrone River forms the western boundary of the area. To the north, the Orcia River marks its boundary. These rivers provide a clear geographical context: Borgo Santa Rita is on the edge of the Val d’Orcia and is also associated with the Ombrone Valley. The Val d’Orcia begins a few kilometres away. It is in Tuscany, in the Province of Siena, north and east of Monte Amiata and close to the border with Umbria. The Orcia flows through the middle of the landscape. Attractive panoramic views and several medieval towns, including Pienza and Montalcino, define the Val d’Orcia. This makes it possible to place the village within its region without equating Borgo Santa Rita with the wider landscape.

From a settled area to a modern village

The area around Borgo Santa Rita was already settled in Etruscan, Roman and medieval times. The modern village emerged much later: in the mid-20th century, it developed as part of a reorganisation of agriculture made possible by agrarian reform. A new planning commission was appointed in 1960. Four years later, in 1964, Borgo Santa Rita was inaugurated at Piani Rossi. The long history of settlement in the surrounding area thus sits alongside the comparatively recent creation of the village.

The original village centre included a church and a long building housing public services, a bar and shops. The Church of Santa Petronilla was built in 1963–1964 to a design by Boccianti. Its construction therefore took place during the same period as the village’s inauguration. This close timing links the development of the village centre to the history of a specific building, while the earlier settlement periods span a much longer historical arc.

Motorsport and race tracks

For motorsport enthusiasts, the sports facility is a distinct attraction. It includes a motocross track and a flat-track circuit. Minicross and motocross courses in Tuscany are held at the MX Borgo Santa Rita track. The circuit is completely flat and very winding; these features are particularly suitable for three- and four-wheeled vehicles. Both the two different types of track and the described track profile are central here. The courses should be considered a separate, specific offering: dates and participation requirements may change. Check the provider’s current information if you plan to organise your trip around a course. You should also check the sports facility’s current operating details before travelling.

Another chapter in the surrounding area

Near the settlement is an ancient, now-ruined chapel dating from the 14th century. It belongs to a different building period from the Church of Santa Petronilla, which was built only in the mid-20th century. Together with the evidence of Etruscan, Roman and medieval settlement, this creates a broad historical arc: from early settlement periods through a medieval building to the planning and creation of the modern village. Those interested in history and architecture when choosing a place to stay will find specific points of interest from these different eras; anyone planning to attend a course should factor its date and participation requirements into their travel plans.

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