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South of Siena, the Abbazia di San Galgano, built at the end of the 12th Century looks to be abandoned in the surrounding greenery with its naves open to the heavens. It was named for the nobleman Galgano Guidotti, who withdrew to a life of penitence. After his canonization a small church was built on the slopes of Montesiepi. Subsequently, a community of Cisterian monks established itself there, becoming the largest in Italy and building a large abbey. The later began to fall apart in the 16th Century and in the 18th Century large cracks appeared which made the bell tower fall down followed by the vaulted ceiling. It has never been restored and remains uniquely inspiring. The small church still exists on the hillock. The chapel contains a series of frescos by Lorenzetti.
To the south east, the Sienese “Crete" (deriving from the Tuscan dialect for "clay") in the wild and grey countryside, changing colors with the passage of the seasons, provides a sense of the unreal. Only a few tall trees break up the landscape around Mount Amiata.
Form there we arrive at the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore (b) where the first monks of the Benedictine order of Monte Olivieto were cloistered. In contrast to the Crete, this is an extremely green setting which emanates a feeling of peace and meditation. During the 15th and 16th Centuries the abbey became a centre for culture, science and the arts and still maintains its fascination. On display in the pharmacy is an excellent collection of containers used for preserving herbal remedies during the 17th Century.
Famous all over the world for its "Brunello" wine Montalcino sits on a hill dominated by a fortress which was the last bulwark of the Sienese before their capitulation to the Florentines in 1555. The town is pleasant, but what makes it unique are the wine cellars sprinkled around, mostly underground, with their ruby red treasures.
Not far away is the Abbazia di S. Antimo belonging to the Benedictine monks, which has flourished since the 12th Century. Further south towards the border with Umbria are Pienza, Montepulciano, Chianciano Terme and Chiusi.

Pienza remains intact today as an example of the perfect Renaissance city. The square has a feeling of balance and elegance which is unique. Palazzo Piccolomini is square shaped and covered with large grey, undulating stones and has an inner courtyard with a portal and arcade held up by Corinthian columns. The Cathedral has a simple travertine facade with three portals and a central rosette. To the left of the Cathedral is the Museo Diocesano, which contains many works of arts.

Montepulciano stands on top of a rise with an elongated shape between the Val d`Orcia and Valdichiana and has maintained the patrimony left to it over the centuries by architects such as Michelozzo, Vignola and Antonio da Sangallo. In Piazza Grande, designed by Michelozzo in the 15th Century we find town hall with its lacy tower similar to that of the Palazzo della Signoria in Florence, Palazzo Nobili-Tarugi with its travertine facade and the unfinished facade of Duomo. In Via Ricci, Palazzo Ricci is the headquarters of the Historical archives and the Town Library, which, in addition to its collection of over 15,000 volumes is the location of the Redi Wine Cellars where the wine, Nobile Vino di Montepulciano, is stored. As these were built under an historic palace the setting is unique. The Corso has a series of palaces build by the most famous names of the Renaissance. Outside of the residential area in the middle of a field is the Church of S.Biagio, a masterpiece by Antonio da Sangallo.

Chianciano Terme is one of the traditional and best known spa towns. There are four sources of the thermal water. Parks, gardens, luxury shops make this town most pleasant.

Chiusi, previously Chamars, was inhabited by King Porsena who occupied Rome during his conquering descent. In the Museum of the Cathedral we find the entrance to the Porsenna Labyrinth, which is 100 meters long; Roman remnants of its structure and a cistern remain. Tombs from the Etruscan period have been found in the necropolis of Chiusi.
To the north east of Siena is the Chianti Region with chapels, castles, farmhouses intersperse the woods and wine growing fields creating a most agreeable landscape.

To the north east in direction of Val d`Elsa is Monteriggioni, a small town on a small hill which has kept its two towers and 13th Century walls intact over the years. Nothing has changed in this tiny place since it was a Sienese military outpost in the campaign against Florentines.

Passing through Colle Val d`Elsa, which is famous for its glass industry, we arrive at San Gimignano. This town with its profile of many towers was a flourishing market place and by 14th Century already offered several "hotels". Walking through the narrow streets of the town is like taking a stroll into the past; wherever you look there is something of rare and unaltered beauty.

Monte Amiata

Once a volcano but inactive for millennia, this mountain at its summit measures only 1800 meters high, a green cupola hiding many precious botanical species and fresh water springs. Amiata is “pedestrian” mountain with trails to suit all tastes. The easiest is 28 kilometers and can be done in stages beginning and ending at any point in the ring. Iron cross stands on the top of the mountain to signify its highest point.
Abbadia San Salvatore is the town with the largest population in the area and dates back to 743 when the Abbey of San Salvatore was founded. During the middle Ages it became one of the most powerful in Tuscany.