Montegiovi between castle ruins, church art and Tuscan festivals

Montegiovi: a place with history and its own character

Montegiovi brings together medieval traces, sacred art, traditional crafts and Tuscan festivals within a compact thematic setting. If, for your trip, you are looking for more than just landscapes and want a place with historical depth, you will find several different points of interest here: the remains of an old castle, churches from different centuries, a history connected with a route taken by Saint Catherine of Siena, and regional events centered on cherries and olive oil.

Castle ruins and churches from several centuries

The remains of Montegiovi's old castle include a polygonal tower and an arched gateway. Both elements preserve the memory of the town's fortified past, without allowing any further conclusion to be drawn about present-day access. Religious architecture complements this historical picture. The Church of Sant'Elena dates from the 11th century and houses a painting depicting Saint Helena and the discovery of the True Cross. The Church of San Martino dates back to the 13th century. Another art-historical trace leads to the Oratory of Madonna degli Schiavi. It contains a fresco of the Madonna and Child, which some critics associate with the school of Simone Martini. The Church of Madonna degli Schiavi was built during the Renaissance as a rural chapel at the foot of an old fortified village and was remodeled in the 19th century. This chronological layering is precisely what makes Montegiovi interesting for travelers who do not want to choose sacred sites based on just one architectural style. The connection between place, art and material continues beyond the churches. The Giardino di Piero Bonacina displays sculptures by the artist made from iron, concrete, wood, Manciano sandstone and Saturnia travertine. The garden complements the historical evidence with an artistic presentation in which different materials from the region and its surroundings play a visible role.

Historic routes and traditional crafts

Saint Catherine of Siena stayed in Montegiovi in 1377. This connection places the town on the ancient Vi’ Siena, which merged into the Via Francigena. For understanding Montegiovi, the historical relationship with an old network of routes is less important than any guarantee regarding a modern route. Those wishing to combine a visit to the town with a hike will find an official hiking trail, Itinerario 615, that runs through Seggiano, Montegiovi, Montelaterone, Santa Caterina and Roccalbegna. Montegiovi is also regarded as the home of basket weavers who used to hand-weave baskets and containers from willow twigs. This traditional craft heritage is just as much a part of the town's character as its stone buildings and religious art.

Cherries, new olive oil and religious festivals

The local cherry takes center stage at the Festa della Saracia. It is celebrated with desserts, jams and a complete menu based on cherries. The Sagra della Bruschetta e dell'Olio Nuovo, by contrast, is dedicated to the first seasonal pressing of new olive oil and offers it for tasting. During the September celebrations in honor of Madonna degli Schiavi, a religious procession takes place through Montegiovi on Sunday morning. It is accompanied by offerings from local residents and a marching band. In this way, the town reveals itself not only as a collection of historic sights, but also as a setting for festivals where religious tradition, local produce and community life come together.

For the overarching travel overview: Castel Del Piano.