Strove: Castle Traces, Paths and Rural Tranquility in the Montagnola Senese

Strove Between Castle Traces and Rural Landscapes

Strove is a small village in the quiet, rural settlement landscape of the Montagnola Senese. Its character is particularly apparent where the present-day form of the village points to its past: the circular layout preserves traces of the former castle and its tower. Strove was one of the castles of the Lambardi di Staggia family. The first documented mention of the castle, the so-called “castrum” of Strove, dates from 994.

The Church of San Martino also connects the village with Tuscany’s historic landscape. Its dedication suggests this and supports the classification of Strove as lying along one of the routes of the Via Francigena. Those interested in medieval townscapes, historic paths and the development of small fortified settlements will therefore find several themes here that come together directly in the village and its surroundings.

On Foot Through Forest, Landscape and History

In Strove, the Via Francigena is not merely a historic name. Stage 32 leads on foot from San Gimignano to Monteriggioni and is 31 kilometres long. Along its route, it passes the Pieve di Strove.

The walk from Strove to Abbadia a Isola takes about an hour. It leads through forest and countryside and along an old road lined with dry-stone walls. From the path between Strove and Monteriggioni, near Abbadia a Isola, there is a view across the Val d’Elsa and towards Castello di Monteriggioni. For your planning, it is useful to distinguish between the 31-kilometre Via Francigena stage and the shorter sections of path around Strove.

A walk from Strove to Monteriggioni also combines landscape and local features. Along the way, you pass a farm raising Cinta Senese pigs, which are kept in a semi-wild environment. This gives the route an additional connection to the area’s rural culture, without requiring an extensive day-trip itinerary.

A Region That Can Also Be Explored by Bike

Strove is also included in a cycling route from Casole d’Elsa to Monteriggioni. This route reaches Strove after Castel Pietraio and crosses the ancient Via Francigena at several points. Castel Pietraio can only be viewed from the outside. The different route lengths and modes of transport help you plan your exploration of the area according to your own travel pace: the walking stage is clearly designated as a longer route, while the cycling route connects Strove with other places in the region.

Regional Cuisine and Practical Orientation

Next to the Locanda di Strove is a hostel with 12 sleeping places for hikers. The Locanda di Strove offers dishes and products from the region as well as traditional pizzas. These two specific points of interest complete the picture of a small village where historic paths, regional cuisine and a peaceful landscape are closely connected.

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Strove, you can consider the village as a peaceful base for cultural and historical explorations, hiking sections and a cycling tour through the Montagnola Senese. What matters here is less a long list of major attractions than proximity to the topics you would like to explore in greater depth during your trip: the castle and village layout, the Via Francigena, paths to Abbadia a Isola and Monteriggioni, or regional products and cuisine.

Discover More Places in the Surrounding Area

Castellina Scalo, Tognazza, Santa Colomba, Belverde, Borgonuovo, Lornano

To the overarching travel overview: Monteriggioni.