Discover Palazzina for your trip to Tuscany

The following examples from Asciano bring together churches and art, events and routes. This can help you decide whether architectural history, cultural events or exploring varied landscapes appeals to you most.

The accommodation listing Borgo La Pievina – Pool Villa gives the address Strada della Pievina 16, 53041 Palazzina, Italy. Check the address and availability before booking.

Churches, art and traces of history

The church of San Giovanni in Vescona, which was located in the area of what is now Pievina, is first documented in 714. The Pieve di S. Ippolito is also mentioned in a document from 714 and is considered one of the oldest churches in the area. Its rectangular church interior shows traces of a three-aisled basilica. The Romanesque façade has a simple round-arched portal. Inside is a fresco of a Sacra Conversazione, which may also include a youthful portrait of Raphael—this attribution remains a possibility.

A different aspect of art history can be found at the Museo Palazzo Corboli, officially recognised by the Tuscany Region as a museum of regional significance. Asciano’s church of San Francesco houses a large altarpiece from the Della Robbia workshop. The Basilica di Sant’Agata is another local attraction. A 15th-century fountain stands in Piazza del Grano, and historic coats of arms can be seen in Palazzo del Podestà. These sites offer different points of interest: from an altarpiece and public architecture to decorative details spanning several centuries.

The mills of Asciano also reveal how the landscape was used in ancient times. Most were located along the Bestina watercourse and used hydropower to grind grain; in the Middle Ages, it was also used there for metalworking. A path along the mills passes some of the buildings that have since been converted into private homes, as well as the remains of water channels and weirs. The Etruscan necropolis of Poggio Pinci offers a different glimpse into the past: it consists of underground chamber tombs with long dromoi.

Routes through varied landscapes

If you choose routes by the character of their landscapes, you’ll find two clearly distinct descriptions. Percorso #1: Montalceto first crosses the open landscape typical of the Crete Senesi, then enters a more wooded area. The circular route Percorso #2: Asciano runs from Asciano–Monte Oliveto Maggiore (MOM) railway station to Asciano. One route description therefore highlights the transition from open to wooded landscape, while the other identifies the station and town as its starting and end points.

The historic Via Lauretana also helps orient visitors: it passes through Asciano and connects Cortona, Montepulciano and Siena. On the Arbia–Asciano stage of the Via Lauretana cycling route, the route passes the houses of Vescona and Pievina before reaching Asciano; current trail conditions may vary. Along the Via Lauretana, Pievina and its parish church offer a turn-off towards Badia a Rofeno. These descriptions distinguish a named connection between cities, a cycling stage and a turn-off, rather than combining them into a single route.

Plan around events in the calendar

The events also have different focuses. In October, L’Eroica brings historic bicycles through the historic centre of Asciano. The non-competitive cycling tour has been held there annually since 1997; check the event date before your trip. The Palio dei Ciuchi takes place on the town’s streets every Sunday in September. For these recurring events, it’s worth checking the annual calendar.

The white truffle fair includes visits to truffle woods and tastings of dishes made with white truffles. Check the programme for the relevant year before making plans. This lets you balance the cultural and event aspects of your trip with your interests in art, history or outdoor activities, without making your stay about just one activity.

Discover more destinations: Arbia, Chiusure, Monte Sante Marie.

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