Montisi: Church Art, Festivals and Olive Oil

Montisi lies between the Val d’Orcia and the Crete Senesi. Sacred art, theater history, recurring festivals and the green woodlands nearby offer different points of interest to help you plan your trip. If you want to experience the Giostra di Simone, August is the right time for this annual event. Churches and theaters, by contrast, take you through different historical periods; the olive oil tradition and the landscape offer yet other perspectives.

Church Art and History

The Chiesa della Madonna delle Nevi was consecrated in 1649 and enlarged during restoration work in 1828. An icon of the Madonna delle Nevi from the 14th century is venerated above the high altar. This means you will encounter two distinct historical reference points in the same church: its 17th-century consecration and an artwork from the 14th century. The 1828 restoration adds a later structural intervention to this timeline. Those interested in sacred art will find both a specific venerated artwork and information about the history of the church building.

Access is also important when planning your visit: two steps lead into the Chiesa della Madonna delle Nevi; there is no ramp for people with disabilities. The municipal accessibility information was updated on January 20, 2025. If this is an important consideration for your trip, check accessibility before your visit.

The Teatro della Grancia di Montisi is located in the Grancia complex and was built at the end of the 19th century. It complements the church’s history with a different historical and cultural reference point. The Oratorio di Sant’Antonio Abate houses an exhibition of sacred objects. In Montisi, religious art and theater history therefore sit side by side, though the two subjects tell different stories: one concerns a venerated image and the history of a church, the other a theater building from the late 19th century.

Festivals and Olive Oil

Every August, the Giostra di Simone brings the story of the Battle of Montisi back to life. Riders representing Montisi’s contrade charge at a target effigy of Simone with lances. The event combines remembrance of the battle with a vivid equestrian contest. If this event is a deciding factor in your travel dates, check the specific event dates before your trip.

Another annual event is the Festa dell’Olio. It features numerous oil tastings, traditional dinners and folkloric activities for the whole family. Unlike the Giostra, which focuses on the history of the battle, this festival brings together olive oil, food and folkloric events. The two events therefore have different focuses, even though both offer recurring opportunities to discover Montisi’s culture.

Olive oil is not just a festival theme: Montisi has an oil mill that has been producing olive oil for centuries. The annual tastings and the long-standing local production tradition thus represent two different sides of the subject. Festival activities offer a glimpse of tasting and dining culture; the oil mill points to the enduring importance of oil production in Montisi.

The Landscape Around Montisi

The green woodlands around Montisi also invite you to explore the landscape. They offer a distinct focus alongside the churches, the theater and the event dates. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider whether you are most interested in sacred art, the history of the battle, the annual olive oil events or the landscape. Montisi’s position between the Val d’Orcia and the Crete Senesi places it between these two regions.

For the broader travel overview: San Giovanni D'asso.