Monte Sante Marie: Village History, Panoramic Views and Routes

Monte Sante Marie Between Fortress History and Panoramic Views

Monte Sante Marie is an old fortified village, probably founded by the Lombards. Monte Sante Marie was a border fortress of the Republic of Siena. From here, the 360-degree view extends from Chianti to Amiata and from Cetona to Montagnola. The fortifications and the village’s role as a border stronghold shape its historical character, while the panoramic views define its expansive landscape.

Churches, Monasteries and Regional Cultural Destinations

The Chiesa di San Bartolomeo a Monte Sante Marie dates back to 1227 and is privately owned. In the vicinity of Monte Sante Marie are the monastery of San Salvatore a Fontebona and the Monistero d'Ombrone monastery. In the wider region around Monte Sante Marie are also the Castle of Brolio and the Bologna Buonsignori Museum. The church remains rooted in the village, while the monasteries, castle and museum are located in the areas surrounding Monte Sante Marie.

Landscape Between Mountains and Park

In the wider region around Monte Sante Marie are the mountain Poggio del Sarto, the mountain Monte Luco and the mountain Poggio Cerrete. The Bosco della Ragnaia park is also located in the vicinity of Monte Sante Marie. The three mountains lie in the wider regional surroundings, while the park is near the village. This spatial arrangement remains clear for landscape planning: the view belongs to Monte Sante Marie, while the mountains and the park lie in the surrounding area.

Cycling Routes Through Asciano and Monte Sante Marie

L’Eroica delle Crete MTB is a circular route starting and ending in Asciano. When riding from Asciano, this loop returns to the same place. The L’Eroica delle Crete MTB route leads from Asciano along one of the Eroica’s white roads towards Monte Sante Marie. On a cycling tour, this distinction is practical: Asciano is both the starting point and the finish of L’Eroica delle Crete MTB, while the second route leads from Asciano towards Monte Sante Marie. The Monte Sante Marie gravel route connects the ancient Scialenga and Lauretana roads. The Eroica’s white road and the gravel connection therefore represent different surfaces for the two routes.

Hiking on the Cammino Lauretano

The Cammino Lauretano also leads hikers through the estate grounds and across Monte Sante Marie. There is a rest, refreshment and stamp point for hikers there. This rest, refreshment and stamp point is located on the section of the route that passes over Monte Sante Marie.

Staying Overnight in the Historic Village

The Agriturismo Tenuta di Monte Sante Marie is located in renovated farmhouses in an old medieval village.

Discover More Destinations

For further orientation, you can also explore Palazzina, Chiusure and Arbia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Asciano.