Macciano
Macciano: let's discover this picturesque Tuscan hamlet together
If you're looking for a tranquil and history-filled place in Tuscany, Macciano might be the perfect spot for you. Located in the province of Siena, in the Val di Chiana senese, Macciano is a hamlet of the municipality of Chiusi, perched on a hilltop at an altitude of 335 m.
Physical geography
Macciano is nestled in the charming Tuscan countryside and is bounded to the south by the course of the Astrone stream. To the south-east of the village are the sources of the Gragnano stream, and near the village, the Fosso di Macciano, a tributary of the Parce stream near Montallese, springs. The hamlet borders on Chianciano Terme to the west, on Sarteano to the south, on Querce al Pino to the east, and on Montallese to the north.
History
The hamlet of Macciano has ancient origins, dating back at least to the 16th century, but it does not appear in the 1551 census. Initially a farming village, during the Renaissance, Macciano further developed in the 19th century, when numerous families built their grand villas with extensive estates.
Monuments and places of interest
The Church of San Pietro Apostolo, the main place of worship in the hamlet, dates back to the 14th century. The facade is reinforced by two angular buttresses, and inside, you can admire a polychrome wooden crucifix from the 14th century and a dish of German production depicting the temptation of Adam and Eve. In front of the church, two marble and brass plaques were placed to commemorate the twenty-two fallen soldiers from Macciano in the two world wars.
The Chapel of the Holy Crucifix, a small place of worship of Villa Pianigiani, was built in the second half of the 19th century and has been transformed into a civilian dwelling. The Macciano Cemetery completes the list of religious monuments in the hamlet.
Among the historical villas that you can admire in Macciano, three names stand out: Villa Astori, Villa Lucioli, and Villa Pianigiani, dating back to the 19th century. Each possesses an imposing structure with vast gardens and estates rich in history and charm.
Anthropogenic geography
Macciano is composed of the main village and some smaller localities such as Pignattaia, Poggio Olivo, San Gregorio, Tegoleto, and Toppo Basso.
Discovering Macciano means immersing yourself in an authentic and tranquil atmosphere, far from the hectic city life. If you're looking for a relaxing and wellness-filled holiday, Macciano might be the perfect choice for you.
