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Vicolo San Agostino, 53041 Asciano, Italy (September 2018)
Asciano
Asciano is a charming hilltop town located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, in the province of Siena. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Crete Senesi, a distinctive landscape characterized by clay-rich soils, Asciano is a picturesque village that offers a glimpse into Tuscany’s agricultural and cultural heritage. The town, with a population of around 7,000, is surrounded by wheat fields, olive groves, and cypress trees, creating a quintessentially Tuscan backdrop. Known for its medieval history, stunning views, and a slower pace of life, Asciano is a hidden gem for travellers seeking to explore rural Tuscany away from the crowds. Asciano has ancient origins, dating back to the Etruscan civilization, which dominated central Italy before the rise of Rome. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited as early as the 6th century BCE. During the Roman period, Asciano became a strategic outpost due to its location along important trade routes. Later, in the medieval period, the town gained significance under the influence of the Republic of Siena. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it played a role in the power struggles between Siena and Florence, two rival city-states vying for control of Tuscany. The town’s layout still reflects its medieval roots, with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings that date back several centuries. One of the most important medieval events in Asciano’s history was the Battle of Montaperti, fought nearby in 1260, in which Siena defeated the Florentine forces. This victory is still commemorated in local traditions and festivals. Asciano’s historical and cultural heritage is evident in its architecture, churches, and museums. The town’s heart is dominated by the Basilica di Sant’Agata, a Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century. With its simple yet elegant design, the basilica houses several notable artworks, including frescoes and sculptures that reflect the town’s medieval artistic traditions.
Another key attraction is the Museo Civico Archeologico e d’Arte Sacra, where visitors can explore a rich collection of Etruscan artifacts, medieval art, and religious objects. The museum offers insights into Asciano’s long history, from its Etruscan roots to its significance in the Middle Ages. A short distance from the town centre is the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a Benedictine monastery founded in the 14th century. This large monastic complex, set amidst wooded hills, is renowned for its Renaissance fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli and Giovanni Antonio Bazzi (known as Il Sodoma), which depicts scenes from the life of Saint Benedict. The abbey’s peaceful setting and its artistic treasures make it a must-visit for those exploring Asciano and the surrounding countryside. Asciano is located in the heart of the Crete Senesi, one of the most unique landscapes in Tuscany. The name “Crete Senesi” refers to the clay-like soil that gives the region its distinctive greyish colour, often compared to a lunar or desert-like landscape. This area, with its rolling hills, dramatic clay formations, and sparse vegetation, offers a stark contrast to the more typical lush vineyards and olive groves of other parts of Tuscany. The Crete Senesi is not only visually striking but also agriculturally important. The area is famous for its wheat production, as well as for its cultivation of olives, truffles, and pecorino cheese. Visitors to Asciano can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and cycling through this unique countryside, taking in panoramic views that change with the seasons, from the golden fields of summer to the soft hues of winter. Asciano maintains a rich calendar of local festivals and traditions, which celebrate its history and agricultural heritage. One of the town’s most important events is the Palio dei Ciuchi, a traditional donkey race that takes place every September. Similar to the famous Palio in Siena but with a more light-hearted atmosphere, the Palio dei Ciuchi brings the local community together for a colourful celebration. Another significant event is the Fiera Antiquaria delle Crete Senesi, an antique fair held several times a year that attracts collectors and visitors looking for unique pieces of art, furniture, and local crafts. Asciano is a quintessential Tuscan town that combines history, culture, and natural beauty in a harmonious blend. Its ancient origins, medieval architecture, and unique setting in the Crete Senesi make it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the authentic charm of rural Tuscany. Whether exploring its rich cultural heritage, enjoying its festivals, or simply taking in the stunning landscapes, Asciano offers a serene and enriching experience that embodies the timeless allure of Tuscany.
Worth a Visit
The Chiesa di Sant’Agostino in Asciano, Tuscany, is a compelling blend of medieval origins, Renaissance enlargement, and Baroque interior elegance—nestled on Corso Matteotti along a historic route toward Siena. Originally constructed in the 12th or 13th century, the church once stood alongside an Augustinian convent. It was later expanded in the mid-15th century, funded by the prominent Scotti family. A date marking 1472 is inscribed on a brick near the portal, commemorating this phase. The church retains its traditional single-nave layout even after later modifications, and its façade reflects a modest yet dignified gothic‑Romanesque brick style.
For more information about the
Chiesa di Sant’Agostino in Asciano, click the image.
Corso Giacomo Matteotti is the vibrant main thoroughfare of Asciano, weaving through its historic centre and serving as both physical heartbeat and cultural spine of the town. Stretching from the ancient Porta Senese (also known as Porta Bianchi) to Piazza del Grano, this elegant street is lined with centuries‑old buildings, landmarks, cafés, shops, and heritage sites, making it a compelling introduction to Asciano’s rich past and lively present. Corso Matteotti traces the line of the historic Via Lauretana, an old pilgrimage and trade route connecting Cortona to Siena. Introduced in its current structure during the Napoleonic era, the street was designed to harmonize medieval patterns with later civic planning. Along this axis, Asciano’s medieval identity emerges through brick façades, narrow alleys, and noble towers, all testament to its storied evolution.
For more information about the
Corso Giacomo Matteotti, click the image.
The Basilica di Sant’Agata in Asciano, Tuscany, is a luminous testament to nearly a thousand years of religious, artistic, and architectural heritage. Originally referenced in documents from 1029 and 1040, this church inherited the ancient baptismal function from the older Pieve di Sant’Ippolito, becoming Asciano’s principal parish church and later elevated to a minor basilica in 1991. Built in a transitional Romanesque‑Gothic style, the basilica adopts a Latin‑cross floor plan crowned by a hemispherical dome set within an octagonal lantern—an elegant feature rising at the intersection of transept and nave. The façade presents three blind ogival arches, leaf‑carved capitals, and a central rose window—all tell-tale marks of late medieval sophistication.
For more information about the
Basilica di Sant’Agata, click the image.
Photo Gallery of Walk – Via delle Fonti to Piazza del Grano
Approximately 1.23 km – 0.76 miles
The walk starts in Chiesa di Sant’Agostino, Vicolo San Agostino – Corso Giacomo Matteotti – Piazza della Basilica – Parco delle Rimembranze – Via S. Francesco – return to Piazza della Basilica – Via Bartolenga – Piazza del Grano.
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