San Giovanni d'Asso
Welcome to the Beautiful Region of Crete Senesi
Dear friends, welcome to Crete Senesi, a region southeast of Siena that includes various municipalities such as Asciano, Buonconvento, Montalcino, Monteroni d'Arbia, Rapolano Terme, Pienza, and Trequanda. The name comes from the clay present in this area, which gives the landscape a characteristic grey-blue color that is sometimes described as lunar.
Here you will find barren and gently rolling hills, solitary oak and cypress trees, isolated farmhouses atop hills, stretches of forest in the valleys, and "fontoni," where rainwater collects. One of the distinctive features of the landscape is the presence of formations like the calanchi, balze, and biancane.
The History of Crete Senesi
Crete Senesi, also known as the Accona Desert, owes its unique appearance to the presence of a type of clay called "mattaione," composed of sediments from the Pliocene sea that covered the area between 2.5 and 4.5 million years ago. In this area, you can find important historical sites like the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a 15th-century church founded by Bernardo Tolomei. The history of this area has also been influenced by the presence of the noble Piccolomini family, who owned many of the countryside properties and surrounding hills.
The Production of Crete Truffles
Crete Senesi is also known for its particular production of truffles. Here they cultivate the prized Tuber magnatum, the so-called "diamond of Crete." In San Giovanni d'Asso, you can visit the Truffle Museum where you can learn everything about truffle cultivation and its role in traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Photo Gallery
We invite you to see this photo gallery of Crete Senesi, where you can appreciate magical glimpses and breathtaking landscapes.
Other Projects
For those who want to deepen the knowledge of Crete Senesi, we recommend the following projects:
- "The Garden of Crete," an educational trail at the Naturalistic Station of Tocchi San Giovanni d'Asso;
- "The Franciscan Path," a route between the Ombrone Valley and Crete Senesi, which retraces the itinerary of Saint Francis of Assisi to discover the places that marked his life;
- "The Wine Road of the Central Tuscan Hills," a path that includes the vineyards of Crete Senesi.
External Links
If you are interested in visiting Crete Senesi, we invite you to consult the following websites:
- The official website of the Tuscany Region;
- The Visit Tuscany portal;
- The website of the Municipality of Siena.
In a nutshell, Crete Senesi is a magical and suggestive place where nature expresses itself in all its beauty. Visiting it is a unique experience that will leave you amazed and in love with this splendid corner of Tuscany.
