Asciano
Asciano è un antico borgo della provincia di Siena, cuore delle Crete Senesi, tra dolci colline d'argilla, calanchi e filari di ci...
Atualizado em 19 julho 2026
Nesta estação · Julho · Verão
O que fazer em Asciano agora
A história
A história de Asciano
Introduction and location
Asciano lies in the province of Siena, Tuscany, within the area known as the Crete Senesi, one of the region's most distinctive rural landscapes. The town sits on a low hill, surrounded by fields of wheat and sunflowers whose colours shift with the seasons. Its position, a short distance from the city of Siena, makes it a popular stop for travellers moving between Siena and the Val d'Orcia. The old town still follows its medieval layout, with narrow streets converging on the main square and the historic buildings of the borgo.
History and origins
Asciano's origins date back to Etruscan and Roman times, as shown by finds displayed in the town's archaeological museum, but it was during the Middle Ages that the borgo took on the appearance it largely retains today. Coming under the rule of the Republic of Siena, Asciano shared in its political and economic fortunes, growing into an important agricultural centre for the surrounding countryside. The Romanesque churches of the old town, together with remnants of the ancient walls and one of the original gates, still tell this long history of trade, farming and community life tied to the Sienese countryside.
Nature and landscape
The countryside around Asciano is one of the most recognisable features of the Crete Senesi: clay hills shaped by erosion, canyon-like calanchi with an almost lunar profile, and pale biancane mounds standing out among the cultivated fields. Rows of cypress trees mark the edges of farmland and line dirt roads that stretch toward the horizon. In spring, fields of wheat alternate with stretches of sunflowers, while in autumn the bare soil reveals shapes carved by wind and rain. It remains a working agricultural landscape, appreciated by those looking for walks, cycling routes or simply open, quiet views.
What to do and see
Asciano's old town can be explored on foot in a few hours, strolling past the main square, Romanesque churches and the buildings housing its civic museums, which include a collection of sacred art and an archaeological museum tracing the area's Etruscan roots. A short distance away, set in the quiet of the Crete Senesi, stands the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, one of southern Tuscany's most important monasteries. Those who enjoy a slower pace can follow the white gravel roads linking Asciano to nearby villages, while at certain times of year a heritage train crosses the area, offering an unusual view over the clay landscape.
Flavours and traditions
Asciano's food reflects the farming character of the Crete Senesi, a land of wheat, pulses and sheep farming. Bread and home-made pasta accompany simple meat-based dishes, often dressed with local olive oil, while pecorino cheese made in the surrounding countryside remains one of the most representative products of the Sienese rural table. Among the area's specialty crops is saffron, grown on small plots and still used in cooking today as it was in the past. Festivities tied to the farming calendar remain an important moment for the community, one that keeps a direct link between local produce and the town's history.
Not to be missed
- The Basilica of Sant'Agata, a fine example of Romanesque architecture in the old town
- The Palazzo Corboli civic archaeological and sacred art museum
- The abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a short distance from town
- The calanchi and biancane clay formations typical of the Crete Senesi
- A ride on the heritage train through the clay landscape, when in service
Para ver
O que ver em Asciano
Caminhos · Trovido Route
Rotas em Asciano
Vagas · JobFlow
