Sarteano
Welcome to Sarteano: a medieval village surrounded by the nature of Tuscany
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover a little piece of paradise in Tuscany? Today I am taking you to Sarteano, a town of just under 5,000 inhabitants located in the province of Siena, which enchants with its historical and scenic beauty.
Physical geography
But let's start with the geographical information: Sarteano is located on the foothills of the Val d'Orcia, on a plateau bordering the Val di Chiana. The seismic classification is zone 3 (medium-low seismicity), while the climatic classification sees the E zone with 2237 GR/G. In addition, the atmospheric diffusivity is high, as confirmed by Ibimet CNR 2002. In short, you will be immersed in a welcoming and healthy environment for a regenerative holiday.
History
Sarteano also boasts a very interesting history, which dates back to the Paleolithic era. Although human evidence from this period is scarce, from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age the territory was more than frequented. The famous Grotta dell'Orso, explored by the Speleological Group of Sarteano in 1954 and then investigated from 1960, has yielded numerous finds of impressed and linear line ceramics, as well as some particular intentional deposits linked to ancient ritual practices.
But let's enter the Etruscan and Roman period: it was precisely during this period that Sarteano saw its major transformations. If during the Bronze Age the highest hillside areas were the most frequented, from the 7th century BC the inhabited area moved towards Castiglioncello del Trinoro, where the mythical Necropolis of Solaia-Macchiapiana demonstrates the dense presence of a residential center.
The medieval charm
But the historical period that has marked Sarteano the most is the medieval one. Its castle and the numerous churches that remain are tangible evidence of this glorious past. During a visit to the historic center of Sarteano, I recommend taking a walk along Corso Matteotti: here you can admire the Civic Tower, the Church of San Martino, and the Gabrielli Palace.
But there are also other churches of great architectural interest, including the Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione, the Church of San Francesco, and the Church of Santa Lucia. The Collegiata of San Lorenzo deserves a special mention, the religious heart of Sarteano, which houses invaluable works of art inside.
The economy of Sarteano
But let's move on to the economic aspect: Sarteano is mainly based on agriculture and tourism. The most relevant products of the land are olive oil, wine, and wheat. You can, therefore, enjoy typical Tuscan cuisine in the restaurants and trattorias of the town, tasting seasonal delicacies accompanied by a glass of local wine.
But not only that: Sarteano is also an ideal place for nature tourism. Enthusiasts of hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and climbing will find their paradise here. In addition, the presence of thermal pools, spas, and wellness centers will make your holiday in Sarteano even more pleasant.
Conclusions
Here you have it, dear friends, a brief guide to Sarteano, a town with a thousand faces that represents the authentic Tuscany at its best. With its fascinating history, breathtaking landscape, and gastronomic delights, Sarteano awaits you to offer a regenerating and unforgettable holiday. What are you waiting for? Come and discover this hidden gem!
