Asciano between art, history and the Crete Senesi

Asciano invites you on a journey where art, a medieval town layout and the landscape of the Crete Senesi come together. The historic centre preserves a typically medieval layout and can be explored on foot. This allows you to plan your visit around the historic townscape, art and routes through the surrounding area.

Art and history in the townscape

The Basilica di Sant’Agata contains fourteen ceramic Stations of the Cross, created and painted in 1790 by the ceramicist and painter Francesco Francini, who was born in Asciano. It also contains a medallion depicting the Descent from the Cross, a work by Giovanni Antonio Bazzi, also known as Sodoma. The Church of San Francesco houses a large altarpiece from the Della Robbia workshop depicting the Madonna and Child with angels. A 15th-century fountain stands in Piazza del Grano. Two important Etruscan necropolises have been discovered in the Asciano area.

Other historical details also characterise the town: a large fragment of a Roman mosaic floor from the 4th century AD has been preserved in the historic centre. The Palazzo del Podestà preserves old coats of arms. The Ponte del Garbo crosses the Ombrone River and has been documented since the 13th century.

Monasteries, ruins and a park in the surrounding area

The area around Asciano is home to the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto, a monastery; Castello di Montelifrè, a ruin site; San Salvatore a Fontebona, a monastery; Monistero d'Ombrone, a monastery; and Bosco della Ragnaia, a park. These varied destinations complement the historic centre with sacred sites, a ruin site and a park.

Routes through the Crete Senesi

A circular route connects Asciano-Monte Oliveto Maggiore railway station with the historic centre of Asciano and passes through a landscape characterised by Biancane and Calanchi. It is suitable for hiking and cycling. An easy linear route from Asciano-Monte Oliveto Maggiore railway station leads through the gentle hills of the Crete Senesi to the wooded foothills of Montalceto and is suitable for hiking and gravel biking. The section of the Via Lauretana that passes through Asciano allows hiking and cycling tours on gravel paths through the landscapes of the Crete Senesi and past historic villages.

In the wider region around Asciano are Poggio Cerrete and Poggio del Sarto, both mountains. Cappella di Piazza, a natural arch, is also located there.

Practical orientation on site

To visit the Museo Cassioli, you must report to the central reception and ticket office in the Palazzo Corboli, C.so Matteotti 122. It is located approximately 300 metres from the museum. When choosing your hotel or accommodation, you can focus on the walkable historic centre, art and archaeology, or routes through the Crete Senesi.

Further destinations for your travel planning

For further travel planning, you can also explore Chiusure, Monte Sante Marie, Arbia and Palazzina.

More destinations

Other places under the same destination:

Cetona, Radicondoli, Casole D'elsa.

To the overview of the higher-level destination: Siena.