Cetona
Cetona is a medieval village in the province of Siena, set on the slopes of Monte Cetona in the heart of the Sienese Valdichiana
Updated 19 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Cetona now
The story
The story of Cetona
A Village Among the Hills of Valdichiana
Cetona lies in the province of Siena, in the southern part of the Valdichiana, close to the border with Umbria, amid gentle hills planted with olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. The village spreads across the slopes of Monte Cetona, the area's highest peak, which dominates the surrounding landscape and separates the Valdichiana from the Val d'Orcia. Nearby lie well-known towns such as Chiusi, Sarteano and San Casciano dei Bagni, with which Cetona shares history and traditions. Its secluded position, away from the main tourist routes, has kept its landscape and authentic atmosphere largely intact.
History and Origins
Cetona's origins date back to prehistoric times: on nearby Monte Cetona, traces of human presence going back to the Palaeolithic have been found, documented by finds displayed in the Museo Civico per la Preistoria del Monte Cetona, housed in the old town centre. In later periods the area was settled by the Etruscans, as shown by discoveries in nearby Chiusi. The medieval village grew up around the Palazzo Comunale and its network of stone lanes typical of fortified towns in southern Tuscany, passing over the centuries under various ruling families before being annexed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Nature and Landscape
Cetona's territory is dominated by Monte Cetona, a wooded mountain covered in holm oaks, oaks and chestnut trees, today protected as a nature reserve for its natural and archaeological value. Along its slopes open caves and rock shelters known as the Belverde area, frequented since prehistoric times. Around the village stretches the typical Valdichiana countryside, made up of cultivated hills, rows of cypress trees and small rural hamlets. Hiking trails cross woods and ridges, offering panoramic viewpoints over the valley below and the neighbouring towns.
What to Do and See
The historic centre of Cetona is best explored on foot, through stone squares, narrow alleys and stepped lanes that follow the shape of the hill. The Palazzo Comunale, the Collegiata di San Michele Arcangelo and the Museo Civico per la Preistoria del Monte Cetona are the main stops for understanding the village's identity. On the mountain, among the woods, stands the Convento di San Francesco, a place of retreat immersed in nature. Those who enjoy walking can follow the paths leading toward the summit, while nearby it is possible to visit Chiusi, Sarteano and the thermal springs of San Casciano dei Bagni.
Flavours and Traditions
Cetona's gastronomy reflects its position between the Valdichiana and the Umbrian border, with dishes based on meat, pulses, extra-virgin olive oil and local wine. The most distinctive product remains the truffle, gathered in the woods of Monte Cetona and the surrounding countryside, celebrated each year with a dedicated fair that draws visitors and enthusiasts. Alongside the truffle, pecorino cheeses, cured meats and homemade pasta all find their place, often served in the small trattorias of the old town, where cooking still follows the seasons and recipes handed down through families.
Not to be missed
- The Palazzo Comunale and the squares of the old town
- The Collegiata di San Michele Arcangelo
- The Museo Civico per la Preistoria del Monte Cetona
- The prehistoric caves of the Belverde area, on Monte Cetona
- The Convento di San Francesco, among the mountain's woods
To see
What to see in Cetona
Routes · Trovido Route
