Borgo Santa Rita: History, Landscape and Motorsport

Borgo Santa Rita combines historical development, a clearly defined river landscape and a motorsport profile. Those interested in Italian local history, landscapes or motorsport will find different points of connection here for planning their own trip.

Location on the Ombrone and at the edge of the Val d’Orcia

The geographical setting of Borgo Santa Rita begins with its location along the Ombrone Valley on the western edge of the Val d’Orcia. The western boundary of the area is formed by the Ombrone River; the northern boundary is marked by the Orcia River. Just a few kilometres from Borgo Santa Rita, the Val d’Orcia begins—a vast landscape in Tuscany and in the Province of Siena, north and east of Monte Amiata, near the border with Umbria. The Orcia River flows through its centre; appealing landscape panoramas and several medieval towns define it, including Pienza and Montalcino.

A modern village with older traces

The area around Borgo Santa Rita has been inhabited since the Etruscan, Roman and medieval periods. The modern village developed in the mid-20th century as agriculture was reorganised following the agrarian reform. Borgo Santa Rita was inaugurated in 1964 at the Piani Rossi site, after a new planning mandate had been issued in 1960.

The original village centre consisted of a church and an elongated building housing public services, a bar and shops. The Church of Santa Petronilla was built in 1963–1964 to a design by Boccianti. Even after its intended deconsecration, ordinary and ritual celebrations are still to take place there.

Near the settlement is an ancient, now dilapidated chapel dating from the 14th century. Together with the Church of Santa Petronilla and the original village centre, it reveals the different historical layers of the village. This gives visitors interested in culture access to a history that is not limited to a single period.

Motorsport as a distinct travel aspect

Borgo Santa Rita offers a clear focus for motorsport enthusiasts. The racetrack in Borgo Santa Rita is completely flat and has many bends; these characteristics make it particularly suitable for three- and four-wheeled vehicles. Minicross and motocross courses take place in Tuscany at the MX Borgo Santa Rita track.

MX Borgo Santa Rita is a sports facility with a motocross track and a flat-track circuit. This adds a sporting perspective to the cultural-historical and landscape character. When planning your trip, you can therefore combine different interests in culture, landscape and motorsport.

Context for planning your trip

The way you wish to structure your days is a useful criterion when choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Borgo Santa Rita. When planning a trip, the village is suitable both for a cultural-historical perspective and for a stay in which the motorsport facility plays a role; its landscape setting complements these two interests.

Further destinations for your reference

Pancole, Civitella Marittima, Civitella-Paganico, Roccalbegna, Castell'azzara, Rocchette, Gavorrano and Montorgiali

For the overarching travel overview: Grosseto.