Sarteano

Sarteano is located in southern Tuscany near the Umbrian border, just 6 kms from the exit of the A1 (the highway that goes from Milan to Naples) half way between Rome and Florence. Both cities can be reached in 1,5 hours by car and by train from the main railway station in Chiusi (10 kms from Sarteano).
Life here is quiet and peaceful during spring, autumn and winter, while summer is full of festivities and activities. The Giostra del Saracino is the main event which takes place on the 15th of August each year on the main square. Dating to XV century, it is a joust where Knights with their horses fight the Saraceno enemy. In the past times the knights had evocative names such as "Moon's knight" and "Sun's knight" they were riding on their own name. A lot of activities during the summer rotate around the Giostra, the most beautiful is the dinner at the Castle a few days before the Giostra, it is a medieval banquet with "giullari" e "mangiafuoco". An updated calendar of all the events will be available around May.

Places to eat:

Even if there are only 4,000 inhabitants, Sarteano is full of restaurant and bar.

Osteria da Galliano: a tiny place on the upper square, delicious typical food, good wine, very friendly, owner Giuliano speaks english. Need to book. No car park.
La Giara: Once the movie theatre, it has been converted into a big restaurant where Nara and Mario serve one of the best pizza in the area. Try the pomodoro fresco (fresh chopped tomato). Also available typical tuscan food. Big parking next to the restaurant. Dining out area, need to book during summer if you want to eat out. Closed on monday
Santa Chiara: an old monastery converted into hotel and restaurant. Very good food and service, delightful garden for dining out. During summer Jazz live music played by Alessandro who also speaks english. Lovely view from the garden walls. Small car park, very difficult to drive up the narrow roads of the medieval section, better to leave the car in the main square or in the big parking just off the main square and walk up. Need to book during summer.
Le Piscine: inside the thermal pool's park, open from Easter until end of September. Delicious pizza, homemade pasta, a couple of terraces for dining out with beautiful view over the swimming pool. Need to book from June until September. Take away pizza available. Parking outside the park.
Trattoria Tripolitana: tiny place on the "corso" within the medieval section. Not a big choice on the menu but homemade pasta is absolutely delicious. A couple of tables for dining out. No car park, need to book.
Taverna dei Tintori: a lovely restaurant just off the main square in a typical building with arched ceilings and a beautiful garden for dining out. Mimmo the chef, makes very good pizza and typical food. Need to book during summer and week-ends. Car park in the main square or in the big parking just off the main square
Taverna di Merlino: a small restaurant just off the main square, typical Tuscan homemade food and pizza. Small dining out area. Big car park on the other side of the road, need to book from June until September.
La Lanterna: a big restaurant on the road to Chianciano, pizza, homemade pasta and typical food. Ideal for large parties or events. Car park, need to book during summer and week-ends.

Places to visit:

The Castle dominates the medieval section and the country surrounding Sarteano. The castle was built before the 1038 but was completely destroyed and rebuilt between 1467 and 1474. There are guided tours from May to October. Various activities during the summer and a magnificent medieval dinner organised by the Giostra del Saracino around the 10th of August each year.
The Theatre. Built on 1734 has been completely restored recently. The Compagnia degli Arrischianti performs from May until September.
San Francesco church: built on the XIII century in honour of San Francesco d'Assisi who was in the area in the 1212. Situated on the main square.
San Lorenzo church: beautiful paintings by Girolomo del Pacchia, a wooden choir gift of Pope Pio II and a marvellous tabernacle by Marrina. Situated at the end of the "corso" can be reached by an old stone staircase from the main parking.
San Martino church: inside the medieval walls, contains wonderful treasures of the 1300, 1400 and 1500 such as the "Annunciazione" by Domenico Beccafumi.
The Archaeological Museum: situated in one of the most beautiful and old building of the village hosts all the finds of the Etruscan Necropolises of Sarteano. One of the rooms hosts and exhibition of the finds of the "Pianacce" Necropolis where the most beautiful and important discovery of the Etruscan world has been made: La Tomba della Quadriga Infernale"
Tomba della Quadriga Infernale: dating second half of the IV century BC situated on the Pianacce Necropolis this is an extraordinary discovery, one of the image represented on the walls is unique of its kind in all Etruria: a figure of a demon in a moving cart drawn by two lions and two griffons. Guided tours from April to September.
Castiglioncello del Trinoro: a medieval hamlet 5 km from Sarteano. Very few houses, a lovely church and the most spectacular view of the Val d'Orcia.

Where to shop:

Il Volo: a lovely tiny shop with beautiful vaulted ceiling where Fabrizio made terracotta pottery and a lot of beautiful gift to bring back home. Do not miss one of the old roofing-tile painted with typical country panorama.
Frantoio Tistarelli: if you are in the area in November and December do not miss the "olio novo" taste that Donatella offers to all the people that go visit her shop. You can buy extra virgin olive oil and the most famous and delicious wines of Tuscany as well as "pecorino" cheese and other typical food

Places to relax:

Faggeta di Pietraporciana: a monumental beechwoodland with a barbecue area created by the Comunità Montana.
The thermal pools: a beautiful park with three swimming pools with thermal water at 24°, tennis courts, playground for kids, bar and restaurant. Open from Easter until end of September.