Itinerario 2 - "Il Paziente Inglese"

The route straddles Valdichiana, the Valdorcia and Le Crete Senesi. It starts from Montefollonico, a small fortified medieval village, rising 600 feet above the valley below, from where one can see almost the entire Valdichiana, from Arezzo to Chiusi.

Take the road that leads to Petroio, famous for its production of terracotta pots, where you can visit the museum dedicated to this ancient manufacturing industry. Leave Petroio to reach Castelmuzio, along a winding road that takes numerous bends between olive trees and cypresses. Here, the value of the olive is obvious; not only for the production of some of the finest olive oil in Tuscany but the trees add to the natural beauty of the countryside. Arriving in Castelmuzio you will see a little way to your left the profile off the Abbey of Sant'Anna in Camprena which rises on a hillside covered with forests of oak.

 

Follow the road to Pienza and after about 4 km take a right following the signs for the Abbey. The Abbey comes into view along a beautiful avenue of cypress trees that open onto a wonderful natural balcony, the Crete Senesi. Here you may recognize some scenes that have characterised the famous film 'The English Patient' from Italian-American film director Anthony Minghella, winner of nine Oscars.

 

Along the road to Pienza, after a few kilometres on the right you will find a sign for 'Cosona'. Leaving the main road one discovers without doubt one of the most attractive country roads in the province of Siena, if not the whole of Tuscany. Discover a world that continues to live following its own rhythms and those imposed by nature - uninfluenced by what is happening in the modern world. The road diverges and at this point we invite you to visit first the town of Cosona, perhaps more a magnificent fortified farm which rises in all its imposing beauty on top of a hill. Turning back, to the point where the road diverged, take the other arm to reach the small rural town of Lucignano d'Asso. The village is partly restored and partly abandoned. It is inhabited by less than 20 people, including the owners of a small shop that will surprise you. Sit in the little square surrounded by a splendid view over the surrounding hills you may taste local specialties such as Sienese salami and pecorino cheeses - all, of course, washed down with a good red Tuscan wine. It is the ideal place to stop and rest after a day that has been pleasurable but tiring.