Montegiovi: Churches, crafts and historic routes

Montegiovi can be explored through its architectural history, historic routes and festival traditions. Churches from different centuries and remains of the old castle stand alongside basket weaving, sculptures and local dishes. If you are planning a stay, you can focus on sacred art, history, hiking or regional festivals.

Churches, castle remains and sacred art

The remains of the old castle include a polygonal tower and an arched gateway. The Church of Sant'Elena dates from the 11th century and houses a painting depicting Saint Helena and the Finding of the True Cross. San Martino dates from the 13th century. The dates of construction offer a chronological comparison: San Martino came after Sant'Elena; the Church of Madonna degli Schiavi was built during the Renaissance as a rural chapel at the foot of an old fortified village and renovated in the 19th century.

Sacred art can also be recognized by its different subject matter. The Oratory of Madonna degli Schiavi houses a fresco of the Madonna and Child. Some critics associate it with the school of Simone Martini. This cautious attribution remains part of the description of the work; it differs from the clearly identified subjects in Sant'Elena.

Santa Caterina and historic routes

Saint Catherine of Siena stayed in Montegiovi in 1377. This historic connection links the town to the ancient Vi’ Siena, which joined the Via Francigena. An older history of travel routes is therefore among Montegiovi’s cultural associations. The official hiking trail, Itinerario 615, is a separate route: it passes through Seggiano, Montegiovi, Montelaterone, Santa Caterina and Roccalbegna. If you plan to hike this trail, check its current route beforehand.

Basket weaving and sculptures

Montegiovi is known as a home of basket makers, who hand-wove baskets and containers from willow rods. This reflects the town’s craft heritage, distinct from its sacred architecture and artworks. The Giardino di Piero Bonacina in Montegiovi displays the artist’s sculptures made from iron, concrete, wood, Manciano sandstone and Saturnia travertine. The materials thus range from processed materials to stones with a named place of origin. For art enthusiasts, the variety of materials used is a particular highlight here.

Cherries, olive oil and festival traditions

The Festa della Saracia celebrates Montegiovi’s local cherries with desserts, jams and a full menu based on cherries. The Sagra della Bruschetta e dell'Olio Nuovo offers a different culinary focus: visitors can taste the first pressing of the season’s new olive oil. The two festivals are distinguished by their main ingredient and the way it is served. Dates and programs may vary; if you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the specific event dates beforehand.

The September celebrations in honor of Madonna degli Schiavi also combine religious tradition with a public event. On Sunday morning, a procession passes through Montegiovi, accompanied by offerings from the local population and a brass band. The exact date may vary. Alongside the food festivals, religious customs therefore offer a separate reason to visit.

For the wider travel overview: Castel Del Piano.