Borgo Santa Rita: Landscape, Village History and Motocross

Borgo Santa Rita lies on the western edge of Val d’Orcia and combines a regional landscape setting with its own village history. River boundaries, medieval traces and the planning of the modern village bring together different historical periods. There is also a motorsport theme, with motocross and flat-track courses. For your trip to Tuscany, you can choose among landscape, cultural history and courses, depending on your interests.

Between the Ombrone Valley and Val d’Orcia

The Ombrone forms the western boundary of the area, while the Orcia marks its northern boundary. Borgo Santa Rita lies along the Ombrone Valley on the western edge of Val d’Orcia, which begins a few kilometres from the village. The extensive landscape is in Tuscany and the Province of Siena, north and east of Monte Amiata and near the border with Umbria. The Orcia flows through its centre; panoramic landscapes and several medieval towns define the area, including Pienza and Montalcino. The Orcia therefore plays a role in two geographical contexts: it marks the area’s northern boundary and also flows through the wider landscape of Val d’Orcia. This helps distinguish the village’s immediate setting from the wider landscape.

The development of the village

The area around Borgo Santa Rita was settled in Etruscan, Roman and medieval times. The modern village, by contrast, developed only in the mid-20th century, when agrarian reform made it possible to reorganise agriculture. A new planning commission was awarded in 1960; Borgo Santa Rita was inaugurated at the Piani Rossi site in 1964. The original village centre included a church and a long building for public services, a bar and shops. The two central buildings thus brought together religious, public and everyday functions. The area’s long history of settlement and the deliberate planning of the modern village represent distinct historical layers.

The church and older traces

The Church of Santa Petronilla was built in 1963–1964 to a design by Boccianti; its construction period overlapped with the village’s inauguration in 1964. Another historical trace lies near the settlement: a ruined 14th-century chapel. The two religious buildings point to markedly different periods. The chapel dates to the Middle Ages, while Santa Petronilla belongs to the period when modern Borgo Santa Rita was established.

Motorsport as a distinct focus

MX Borgo Santa Rita is a sports facility with a motocross course and a flat-track course. The racetrack in Borgo Santa Rita is completely flat and has many bends; these characteristics make it particularly suitable for three- and four-wheeled vehicles. Minicross and motocross courses are held at MX Borgo Santa Rita in Tuscany. If you plan to take a course, check the dates and participation requirements before travelling; both can change. Also confirm the sports facility’s current operating details.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Scansano, Grosseto, Roccastrada, Manciano, Castiglione Della Pescaia, Massa Marittima, Semproniano, Arcidosso.

For the main travel overview: Grosseto.