Monte Sante Marie: Village History and Routes

Monte Sante Marie brings together the history of an old fortified village with its landscape and routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Monte Sante Marie, it helps to first decide whether local history, sweeping views, or a particular activity will shape your stay. History, panoramas, and hiking or cycling routes each offer their own reason to explore the destination.

Village History and Church

Monte Sante Marie is an old fortified village, probably of Lombard origin. As a border fortress of the Republic of Siena, it had a historical border function. Its probable Lombard origin describes its likely beginnings; its role as a border fortress points to its former political function. For culturally minded travelers, these are two distinct aspects of the village.

The Chiesa di San Bartolomeo a Monte Sante Marie is documented from 1227 to the present day and is privately owned. If you are considering a visit, check in advance whether this is possible. The long period of documentation provides a historical point of reference; its private status is important for planning an actual visit.

Panoramas and Accommodation

From Monte Sante Marie, the 360-degree view extends from Chianti to Amiata and from Cetona to Montagnola. The view is thus described across two spans that together form the panorama. If you are planning your stay around the landscape, these four geographical reference points give you a concrete idea of the areas covered by the view.

Agriturismo Tenuta di Monte Sante Marie is housed in renovated farmhouses in an old medieval village.

Cycling Routes and Choosing a Route

The L’Eroica delle Crete MTB route is a circular route that starts and finishes in Asciano. From Asciano, it follows one of the Eroica’s white roads towards Monte Sante Marie. This identifies Asciano as the starting and finishing point, and Monte Sante Marie as the direction of this section. Route conditions and markings may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

The Monte Sante Marie gravel route connects the ancient Scialenga and Lauretana roads. This makes it distinct in the description from the MTB loop: L’Eroica is described in terms of its start, finish, and direction, while the gravel route is defined by its connection between the two old roads. If you are comparing cycling options, you can take these different route features into account when making your choice.

Walking the Cammino Lauretano

The Cammino Lauretano passes through the courtyard and via Monte Sante Marie. There is a rest, refreshment, and stamping point there for walkers. If you are planning to follow the route, confirm arrangements for this point before you arrive. This allows you to take into account both the route and the planned opportunity to rest and get refreshments.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Arbia, Chiusure, Palazzina.

Back to the broader travel overview: Asciano.