Four hidden gems around Siena

Tuscany is an highly iconic region, Florentine sculptures, medieval walled villages, hilly lunar
landscapes and flowered balconies. A constant stream of visitors captured those iconic images and posted on sketches, books, videos, blogs and other media.
Still, even if we live in an era where all the information is accessible and every place can be easily geolocated, measured and digitally explored, there are some places that have been spared by this mayhem.
Lucignano d’Asso, placed in on the hill aside the river Asso valley at short distance (40 min) from Siena. Once entirely belonging to an aristocratic family , this village is now a hideaway for few lucky residents and some visitors that can rent one of the houses. It is definitely worthy a visit especially if you are coming from Pienza along the long gravel road crossing the most pristine landscapes of Tuscany

Montefollonico, once a walled castle extreme outpost of Siena Republic facing the enemy town of Montepulciano under the Florentine dukes. In fact the view of the renaissance town of Montepulciano from Montefollonico is outstanding and virtually unchanged since early 1500.



San Gusme’ another hidden gem within Siena surrounding. Coming from south (Rome) and heading
Florence through the Chianti wine region, San Gusme’ is one of the first villages we found entering the celabrated area. This village could fit in one of the Disney park as it could be the background of a fairy tale.


Lucignano in Valdichiana not to be confused with the first one is formally under Arezzo province but easily accessible from Siena and conveniently located close by the main highways system. its historic center has been miraculously preserved from alteration giving the entire village a consistent mediaeval look but this is not the only reason you should indulge in a stroll or a cappuccino in one of the few terraces. In Lucignano there was found an interesting and mysterious artefact. A small tree covered in gold leaves and decorated with the finest goldsmith made by talented artists some 500 years ago. Popular legends call it the Tree of Love and attributes special power in preserving love within couples and newly married.

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Kind regards

James