Campriano: Castellare, Church Art and Panoramic Views

Campriano combines the history of an important castellare with expansive views across the landscape, church art, and an agricultural setting that continues to shape the area today. The castellare was built along the ancient route connecting Siena and the Maremma. Reliable records of the place date back to 943. At the same time, Campriano was a village of free people connected to the nearby Via Francigena.

Historical Traces in the Village

The surviving fortifications include two levels of walls: a pentagonal upper level and the remains of two towers. Before its destruction in 1368, Campriano Castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times. This eventful history is therefore evident not only in a single building, but also in the surviving parts of the complex and its different levels.

Church of San Giovanni Battista

Another specific point of interest for visitors interested in culture is the Church of San Giovanni Battista. It has preserved a large part of its older structure. Inside are frescoes depicting the fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary. The murals on the left altar date from the late 16th century; their narrative tone recalls Ventura Salimbeni.

Access Road and Cycling Routes

The public side road Via Vicinale di Campriano is important for local orientation. It runs from the municipal boundary with Monteroni d’Arbia at the Stile stream to the Campriano district and is 0.600 kilometres long.

The journey from Siena to Campriano can take you along 10 kilometres of gravel road on the SP34Bis, following the panoramic ridges of the Crete Senesi. The “Strade Bianche” event for professional cyclists takes place on the same access route. “L’Eroica” is also held there for enthusiasts of historic cycling. Thus, the access road brings together concrete connections with the landscape and cycling, without the two events having the same character.

Streams, Springs and Expansive Views

Campriano lies at the confluence of two small streams. The larger stream, the Stile, flows into the Arbia River at Buonconvento. Immediately below the buildings is the source known as “i Pozzini”; according to tradition, it is still used. The source known as “la Vena” is also said to remain in use. It is located very close to the buildings of Campriano.

From Campriano, there are expansive panoramic views over the Crete Senesi, the Val d’Orcia and Amiata, extending as far as the outline of Chianti. For you, this connection with the landscape may be just as important when planning your stay as the historic interior and exterior spaces: culture, cycling and wide-ranging views belong here to different, clearly recognisable aspects of the same place.

Agriculture and Tastings

Campriano is a 350-hectare agricultural estate that produces wine and olive oil. Tastings are offered at Agriturismo Campriano. When choosing accommodation for your stay, you can therefore weigh up different interests: the surviving fortifications and the church appeal to those interested in culture, the access route to enthusiasts of historic and professional cycling, while the springs, streams and panoramic views define the landscape character. Agricultural use adds wine and olive oil to this picture.

Further destinations: Fonteregina, Colombaio, Anqua, Abbadia San Salvatore, Radicondoli, Castiglione D'orcia, Piancastagnaio.

To the higher-level travel overview: Siena.