Monticiano: Pilgrimage, Churches and Nature Conservation

Monticiano brings together woodland landscapes, religious history and protected nature within a compact thematic area. The Eremo di Camerata, medieval churches, the nature reserves along the Merse and Farma rivers, and paths for walks and bike rides offer you several ways to discover the area.

Pilgrimage to the Eremo di Camerata

The Eremo di Camerata already existed in the first half of the 13th century. A special connection between Monticiano and the hermitage is created by the Sbraccettata: this annual pilgrimage leads through the forest to the Eremo di Camerata and takes place on the Tuesday after Easter. Guided tours of the Eremo di Camerata and the surrounding natural areas are also available, organised by Escursioni Toscana. This allows you to experience the area through both its religious tradition and its woodland landscape.

Churches and Medieval Heritage

Construction of the Chiesa SS Pietro e Paolo began in the 13th century and was completed around 1380. The body of Blessed Antonio Patrizi is kept in this church in a display case made in 1995. The Chiesa Santi Giusto e Clemente is a Romanesque church from the 14th century. Together, these buildings take you through different periods of medieval history without requiring you to leave Monticiano's thematic setting.

The Chiostro Agostiniano

The Chiostro Agostiniano complex came about through the decision to move the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul of Camerata to a location closer to Monticiano. Accessibility is a practical point of reference when planning your visit: the complex is accessible to people with disabilities. This means you can also include this part of the area's history when mobility requirements vary.

Alto Merse Natural Area and Biodiversity

The Museo della Biodiversità di Monticiano is located in the town of Monticiano, in the heart of the Riserva Naturale dell'Alto Merse nature reserve. It explains the importance of biodiversity and the measures needed to protect it. The Riserva Naturale dell'Alto Merse encompasses a long stretch of the Merse River. Three woodpecker species occur there: the European green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker and Eurasian wryneck.

Paths through Forest and Landscape

The Q3 trail begins in Monticiano and runs along the western side of Monte Quoio. Along the way, it seeks out evidence of traditional crafts connected with forestry. An educational visit to “Il cavallo nel bosco” is also possible.

Cycling Route and Walk to the Abbey

In the area around Monticiano, the Grand Tour della Val di Merse is one of the longer options for cycling travellers: the circular cycling route is 172 km long and runs along side roads and unpaved paths. From Monticiano, you can also reach the Abbazia di San Galgano on foot. The different lengths and types of these routes help you plan your day around either an extended circuit ride or a single walk.

Other Places for Orientation

For further orientation, you can also explore Castello Di Tocchi, San Lorenzo A Merse and Tocchi.

For the higher-level travel overview: Siena.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Colombaio, Mensano, Ponte A Tressa, Sovicille, Campriano.