Campriano: Castle Ruins, Church Art and Panoramic Views

Campriano brings together historic routes and fortification remains, church art and expansive views across the landscape. If you are planning a stay here, you can explore the village through its history, sacred art, landscape and the possible approach via a gravel road. Each topic offers a different way to discover the place.

History and Castle

Campriano is a historically significant fortified settlement, built along an ancient route between Siena and the Maremma. Reliable records of the place date back to 943. Historically, Campriano was a village of free people and was connected to the nearby Via Francigena. These links tell of the different routes that shaped the village’s history.

Two levels of walls remain from the fortifications; the upper one is pentagonal. The remains of two towers also survive. The castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times before it was destroyed in 1368. Access to the fortifications is restricted because they are on private property. The surviving structures and history of destruction give you clues for understanding the castle as a historic fortified settlement.

Church of San Giovanni Battista

The Church of San Giovanni Battista has preserved much of its older structure. Inside are frescoes depicting the fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary. Murals dating from the late 16th century survive at the left altar; their narrative style is reminiscent of Ventura Salimbeni. The architecture and paintings thus offer two different perspectives on the church’s history.

Landscape and Springs

Campriano offers expansive panoramic views across the Crete Senesi, the Val d’Orcia and Amiata, as far as the outline of the Chianti hills. Visibility and seasonal conditions can affect the view. A historical account updated on 23 March 2020 places Campriano at the confluence of two small streams; the larger one, the Stile, flows into the Arbia at Buonconvento.

The same account places the “i Pozzini” spring just below the buildings and reports that it is still in use. It also reports that the “la Vena” spring continues to be used and is very close to the buildings. If you plan to rely on access to or use of a spring, confirm local conditions in advance.

Getting There and Cycling Events

The public secondary road Via Vicinale di Campriano runs from the boundary with the municipality of Monteroni d’Arbia, alongside the Stile stream, to the hamlet of Campriano. A municipal register from June 2017 lists its length as 0.600 kilometres. Road conditions can change; check them before your journey.

The route from Siena can take the SP34Bis and include ten kilometres of gravel road along the panoramic ridges of the Crete Senesi. The “Strade Bianche” professional cycling race and “L’Eroica” event for fans of historic cycling take place on this access route. Event dates and exact routes may change. If you want to coordinate your journey with an event, check the latest dates and route details.

Agriculture and Tastings

The Campriano agricultural estate covers 350 hectares and produces wine and olive oil. Tastings are offered at Agriturismo Campriano. If you are planning a visit for a tasting, confirm the current options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Megognano, Fonteregina, Piancastagnaio, Vagliagli, Radicondoli, Montepulciano, La Fratta, Bibbiano.

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