Presciano: Churches, Villas and Hilly Landscape

Presciano combines the history of churches and villas with a hilly landscape along the Arbia. The parish church of Chiesa di San Paolo, the chapel at Villa Pieri, and the tradition surrounding Castello di Presciano stand alongside a landscape of valleys, cultivated fields, maquis, and rows of cypress trees.

Hilly Landscape along the Arbia

Presciano lies on the southern slope of a hill on the right bank of the Arbia. Its terrain is characterized by undulating relief and valleys; cultivated fields contrast with the maquis, while rows of cypress trees at the landowners’ villas add to the landscape. The southern part has the typical landscape of the Crete Senesi: small areas of woodland, predominantly hilly terrain, and clay soils with Biancane formations and signs of erosion. This helps place the landscape in context: the features of the Crete Senesi are found in southern Presciano, while undulating relief, valleys, cultivated fields, and maquis characterize the wider local landscape.

History of Churches and Villas

The parish of Presciano is documented as early as 1225. Chiesa di San Paolo a Presciano is a parish church. The church’s construction history includes several events: German troops destroyed it in 1370; it was rebuilt in 1381. In 1744, it was rebuilt again on a smaller scale and reconsecrated. Thus, the reconstruction after its destruction and the later downsizing and reconsecration are distinct phases. The two rebuilds took place 363 years apart.

The impressive Villa Pieri is a defining feature of the village of Presciano. The chapel attached to it is dedicated to Sant'Antonio, Saint Anthony of Padua; its construction is thought to date to the 17th century. Villa Pieri is also known today as Villa Lovatelli. Villa Ugurgieri is located in the same area of Presciano. The chapel and villas provide distinct points of reference in the area’s history: a named dedication, a probable construction date, and two villa names associated with the same area.

According to a historical account from the 19th century, the ancient fortified Castello di Presciano, known as “Bastia di Siena,” is said to have stood on the site of Villa Pieri. It was ravaged and demolished in 1371.

Landscape and Hiking

A hike on December 5, 2021, covered 10.5 kilometers and a total elevation gain of 240 meters, passing through Mociano, Montechiaro, Pieve a Bozzone, Vico d'Arbia, and Presciano. Views along the route included the towers of Siena, the transition zone between the Crete and Chianti, and the southern foothills of the Monti del Chianti. The hike thus connects Presciano with a specific route and several distinct landscape features.

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Discover more destinations: Scalvaia, Fonterutoli, Poggibonsi, Radicofani, Gallina, Valiano, Asciano, Isola D'arbia

For the broader travel overview: Siena.