Whilst we believe Montisi is the best, a short drive will take you on a journey to a small selection of magical villages in Southern Tuscany rarely visited by tourists yet full of wonderful vistas, pretty corners and charming people.
San Giovanni d’Asso
Head off first across the Crete to our first village, San Giovanni D’Asso, admire the castle and take a walk in the splendid gardens, il Bosco della Ragnaia. A finalist in the 2015 European Gardens Award, this garden is an oasis of calm and tranquility. Read about it and learn the full story. The town, previously the Comune for Montisi, is also famous for truffles and you can visit the museum covering all things associated with this prized tuber. Look out on our Events Calendar for information on the white truffle festival held the 2nd and 3rd weekends in November every year.
Chiusure
Move on to the next village, Chiusure, taking time for a visit to the fabulous frescoes in the cloisters at Monte Oliveto Maggiore. You can read more details on our site about this outstanding work of art. Chiusure is a tiny village with several options for refreshments. They hold a festival in April every year celebrating the artichoke. Watch out on our Events Calendar for the details of this fair. Artichokes deep fried – this vegetable is delicious!
Trequanda
Cross back westwards to the village of Trequanda, where you can admire another castle and the atmospheric square. Maybe you can make a small detour to the winery Fattoria delle Colle, then head off to Petroio, home to the local Terracotta museum. You will see several terracotta factories in the area which are well worth a visit too.
Castelmuzio
Finally enjoy a wonderful scenic drive through to the village of Castelmuzio. From here in the distance you can see a abbey on the top of a hill. Don’t be surprised if it looks familiar, this is Sant’Anna in Camprena and was used as a location in the film ‘The English Patient’. Stop here in the village and wander the pretty streets.
Finally arrive back in Montisi, in time for an aperitivo at the Barrino.
