Presciano: Parish Church, Villas and the Crete Senesi

Presciano lies on the southern slope of a hill on the right bank of the Arbia. The village combines a parish church, villas and the landscape typical of the southern Crete Senesi. The location on the southern slope and on the right bank of the Arbia provides a clear spatial reference point for orienting yourself in the area.

Church and History of Presciano

The Chiesa di San Paolo a Presciano is a parish church. The parish of Presciano can be traced back to as early as 1225. The church of Presciano was destroyed by German troops in 1370 and rebuilt in 1381. In 1744, it was rebuilt again on a smaller scale and subsequently reconsecrated.

Villa Pieri and Other Architectural Landmarks

A defining feature of the village of Presciano is the imposing Villa Pieri. An attached chapel adjoins Villa Pieri, now known as Villa Lovatelli. It is dedicated to Sant'Antonio, Saint Anthony of Padua, and was probably built in the 17th century. Villa Ugurgieri is also located in the same part of Presciano as Villa Pieri. The ancient fortified Castello di Presciano, known as “Bastia di Siena,” is said to have stood on the site of Villa Pieri; it was devastated and demolished in 1371.

Hills, the Arbia and the Crete Senesi

Among the areas near small settlements, Presciano is considered one of the important hubs of agricultural ecosystems. The landscape is characterized by rolling relief and valleys. Farmland and macchia form a distinct contrast, while rows of cypresses stand beside the landowners' villas. The southern part of Presciano features the typical landscape of the Crete Senesi, with small wooded areas and predominantly hilly terrain. The clay soils are characterized by biancane and signs of erosion. Poggio Cerrete is a mountain in the area around Presciano. Monte Luco is a mountain in the wider regional surroundings of Presciano.

Museums and Gardens in the Surrounding Area

Bologna Buonsignori is a museum in the area around Presciano. Vestri Palace is a palace there, as is the Malavolti - Sozzini Palace. The Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherna is another museum in the surrounding area. The Giardino Emilio Montagnani and the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Siena are gardens near Presciano.

A Hike Through the Area

A 10.5 km hike with a total elevation gain of 240 metres led through Mociano, Montechiaro, Pieve a Bozzone, Vico d'Arbia and Presciano, offering views of the towers of Siena, the transition zone between the Crete and Chianti, and the southern foothills of the Monti del Chianti. For this hike through Mociano, Montechiaro, Pieve a Bozzone, Vico d'Arbia and Presciano, distance and elevation gain should be considered together, for example when planning breaks and assessing your personal walking pace.

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