Ciggiano between Wine Tradition and Rolling Hills

Ciggiano between Fortifications, Wine and Rolling Hills

Ciggiano reveals itself through its small town centre, churches, wine tradition and sweeping views over the Valdichiana. A walk through the streets of the town centre offers the chance to see ancient fortifications. Ciggiano is considered to have been a fortified village in the 11th century.

Churches with Different Historical Connections

The Church of San Biagio was elevated to parish church status in 1465. Inside is a sculpture of Saint Mary Magdalene from the early 16th century, attributed to Andrea Sansovino. The Church of San Pietro also points to a long past: it has medieval origins.

Outside the town stands the Church of Santa Maria, built in 1635 along the route of a transhumance trail. In Ciggiano itself, the Church of della Costarella, now dedicated to the Madonna, recalls the former importance of such routes. During transhumance, shepherds and their flocks rested beneath its porticoes.

Winegrowing at the Museo della Vite e del Vino

In the heart of Ciggiano, the Museo della Vite e del Vino is housed in the rooms of the Vecchio Mulino. The museum presents the various stages of winemaking: from the grape harvest through vinification to bottling. The Museo della Vite e del Vino also offers themed tastings featuring local products. This makes the venue particularly appealing to visitors who want to discover regional culture not only through buildings, but also through traditional products.

A Route through Villages, Vineyards and Olive Groves

The municipal route “I nuclei di collina” passes through Tuori, Dorna, Oliveto, Ciggiano, Cornia and Gaenne. The approximately 40-kilometre excursion is completed by car and on foot. Ciggiano is one section within a larger sequence of hill settlements; the route combines different modes of transport without losing its approximate overall length.

A terrace built above Ciggiano’s town walls offers views over almost the entire Valdichiana. When planning your day, this makes it possible to include a historic town visit, views across the valley and a longer excursion as different focuses.

Festa dell'uva, olio e vino and the “Camminata”

The Festa dell'uva, olio e vino in Ciggiano has a tradition spanning several decades. The first event took place on 25 September 1952. As part of the Festa held in September, the Pro Loco has organised the “Camminata” for many years, taking participants through hills, vineyards, unspoilt woods and centuries-old olive groves.

The combination of wine, oil, local products and paths through the rolling hills makes Ciggiano accessible to a range of travel interests: culture enthusiasts will find churches, fortifications and a wine museum, while those who enjoy walking can experience the landscape on the “Camminata” or as part of the municipal route. Ciggiano is freely accessible every day, around the clock.

Choose Accommodation According to Your Interests

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Ciggiano, you can tailor the focus of your stay to the town’s attractions: its churches and medieval origins, the Museo della Vite e del Vino, the terrace overlooking the Valdichiana or the paths through vineyards and olive groves.

Other destinations for your travel planning include Badia Al Pino, Tegoleto, Pieve A Maiano and Albergo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Civitella In Val Di Chiana.