The Sienese Crete is a landscape with no secrets, but difficult to interpret, because it requires sharp observation and deep understanding.
Asciano the small and friendly “capital” of the Crete, lies in the Upper Valley of the Ombrone and is the natural point of departure to navigate the Crete area. The small and rich journey in Asciano starts from the Collegiate Church of St. Agatha; Piazza del Grano with Palazzo Podestarile( the Podestà Palace) and the fountain; la Torre della Mencia (the Mencia tower); the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Sacred Art, displayed in the Palazzo Corboli. Inside you can admire not only works of art , dated back from the XIIIth century to XVIIIth century, coming from the territory of Asciano, by artists such as Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Giovanni Pisano, Maestro dell’Osservanza, Francesco Valdambrino , but also Etruscan finds, that document the presence of human beings in the Upper Valley of the Ombrone.
Art lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit the Cassioli Museum, the only exhibition space in the province of Siena devoted entirely to XIXth century Sienese painting.
From Asciano there are amazing roads: the historical Lauretana towards Siena, the road towards Chiusure and the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the most important monastic complex of Siena, founded by Bernardo Tolomei. Don’t miss a visit to the main cloister with the Renaissance frescoes initiated by Luca Signorelli and Giovanni Antonio Bazzi called Sodoma.
Duration: full day.
