Siena's Claies

[julia90]

The landscape south of Siena leading towards the medieval centre of Asciano is dominated by the typical Crete, clayey land where erosion has created crevices, openings and cracks. It is an impressive area where the imposing Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore stands out. Val d’Elsa is also very impressive with its characteristic towns Colle di Val d’Elsa, Poggibonsi and San Gimignano, which cherishes an inestimable artistic heritage.
Val di Merse presents solitary but fascinating places, such as the ruins of the San Galgano Abbey, dating back to the 13th century. Also Val di Chiana grants emotions and wellbeing thanks to its thermal spa centres in Chianciano, Montepulciano and San Casciano dei Bagni.
Hills and gullies, Tuscan cypress trees, the river, olive groves and vineyards: this is the landscape offered by Val d’Orcia and protected by UNESCO. Here there are magnificent towns, including Pienza, San Quirico, Montalcino and Castiglione, while to the west, stand Mount Amiata and the solitary Rocca di Radicofani.

[julia90]

The landscape south of Siena leading towards the medieval centre of Asciano is dominated by the typical Crete, clayey land where erosion has created crevices, openings and cracks. It is an impressive area where the imposing Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore stands out. Val d’Elsa is also very impressive with its characteristic towns Colle di Val d’Elsa, Poggibonsi and San Gimignano, which cherishes an inestimable artistic heritage.
Val di Merse presents solitary but fascinating places, such as the ruins of the San Galgano Abbey, dating back to the 13th century. Also Val di Chiana grants emotions and wellbeing thanks to its thermal spa centres in Chianciano, Montepulciano and San Casciano dei Bagni.
Hills and gullies, Tuscan cypress trees, the river, olive groves and vineyards: this is the landscape offered by Val d’Orcia and protected by UNESCO. Here there are magnificent towns, including Pienza, San Quirico, Montalcino and Castiglione, while to the west, stand Mount Amiata and the solitary Rocca di Radicofani.


A trip to the Crete Senesi has the flavour of a daydream with your feet placed firmly on the ground. The Crete Senesi is a voyage for the soul, an itinerary of discovery to be followed with the same spirit as the Grand Tour.
The area is not defined by piazzas, cathedrals or castles, but by nature, cypress trees, the smell of sheep’s-milk cheese pervading a little grocery, the relaxing warmth of spa waters, the mystical simplicity of a small Romanesque parish church.
The landscape of the Crete Senesi is a triumph of harmony, a timeless image, a picture that blends the forms of an Etruscan graffito and a sign of modern art. It is a harmony that gets inside you and has the power to bring your energies back into balance: emotions and sensations transform and dilate in the calm of space.

[Goga]

Incredible place! Very picturesque landscapes. I read that Tuscan cypress trees can be (and become) very old!