Palazzina: Culture, Routes and Events in the Wider Area

When choosing a hotel destination, Palazzina can also be considered in the context of the wider region. There, church and art history sit alongside routes through the Crete Senesi and events in Asciano. Whether you are interested in historic architecture, a tour or an event, there are different ways to shape your stay.

Cultural History and Architecture in the Wider Area

The Pieve di S. Ippolito is one of the oldest churches in the area and is mentioned in a document dating from 714 AD. Its rectangular church interior shows traces of a three-aisled basilica. The Romanesque façade features a simple round-arched portal. The Pieve also houses a fresco of a “Sacra Conversazione” that may contain a youthful portrait of Raphael. This identification is a possibility, not a definitive attribution.

Another early church-history reference concerns San Giovanni in Vescona: the church and its associated village were located in the area of today’s Pievina. The Pieve is first documented in a record from 714. The Poggio Pinci necropolis offers a different glimpse into the area’s history: it consists of underground chamber tombs with a long dromos, the passage leading to the burial chambers.

In Asciano, art is part of the townscape. The Museo Palazzo Corboli is officially recognised by the Tuscany Region as a “Museo di Rilevanza Regionale” (Museum of Regional Importance). The Basilica di Sant’Agata is one of the town’s sights; the church of San Francesco houses a large altarpiece from the Della Robbia workshop. A 15th-century fountain stands in Piazza del Grano, and the Palazzo del Podestà displays historic coats of arms. The cultural highlights therefore range from religious art to buildings and landmarks that reflect the town’s history.

Routes and Landscapes

The ancient Etruscan-Roman Via Lauretana passes through Asciano and connects Cortona, Montepulciano and Siena. The cycle route follows this road for much of its length, but also includes alternative sections. The municipality’s route has challenging gravel stretches. Before reaching Asciano, the Arbia–Asciano stage passes the houses of Vescona and Pievina. As conditions along this route can vary, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

The two named routes also offer different experiences. The circular Percorso #2: Asciano runs from Asciano–Monte Oliveto Maggiore (MOM) station to Asciano. The Percorso #1: Montalceto first crosses the open landscape typical of the Crete Senesi, then enters a more heavily wooded part of the area. Near Pievina, a turnoff points towards Badia a Rofeno. Check current trail conditions before making specific plans.

A path along Asciano’s ancient mills offers another perspective on the landscape and how it was used. Some mills have now been converted into private homes; traces of water channels and weirs can also be seen. Most of the mills were located along the Bestina watercourse and harnessed water power for grinding grain and, in the Middle Ages, for metalworking. The path thus complements the history of churches and art with a look at the region’s former use of water and technology.

Events and Regional Products

If you want to plan your trip around an event, Asciano offers several annual occasions. In October, historic bicycles ride through the historic centre during L’Eroica; this non-competitive cycling event has been held there annually since 1997. Check the event date before your trip. The Palio dei Ciuchi takes place on the streets of Asciano every Sunday in September. The seven Contrade compete against one another; check the calendar when planning for a particular year.

White truffles are another regional highlight: they are considered a top product of the Crete Senesi. The annual Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco di Asciano includes visits to truffle woods and tastings of dishes featuring white truffles. If you are planning a stay for the event, check that year’s programme.

Discover more destinations: Monte Sante Marie, Chiusure, Arbia

Return to the main travel overview: Asciano.