Impossibly pretty little towns and villages that are steeped in charm and history and can appear almost totally untouched by time are not uncommon in Tuscany. Drive around the region and you’re likely to stumble upon any untold number of these incredibly sweet places by pure chance. However, if you want to find a cluster of some very scenic examples in a small area, the comune of Sovicille, nestled in the hills of Siena, is an excellent example. Surrounded by the famous lush greenery, winding roads, and rolling hills of Tuscany and filled with fascinating architectural gems, romantically crumbling castles, handsome palaces, charming churches, and more, these villages are totally picturesque. Book your villa in Siena and then come explore these gorgeous settlements and the lovely surrounding countryside while soaking up the authentic charm and beauty of Tuscany...
A borderland that was long involved in territorial disputes throughout history and an area of economic success throughout the ages, Sovicille really boasts an extraordinary number of historic homes, castles, and hamlets, many of which have outlived the villages to which they once belonged. Remainders of the villages themselves do also exist but the largest centre in the area is the town of Sovicille itself and this will act as a perfect base for your explorations of this fascinating area. While the rest of the region is a scattering of curiosities and historical echoes, there is a truly rich variety of things to see and do in the area. So, if you have booked a vacation rental in Siena and you are driving around, you’ll be able to have all sorts of adventures from truffle hunting in the woods with adorable truffle dogs and guides, to wine tasting at a vineyard, to visiting stunning castles that look like something plucked right from the pages of a fairy tale.
One of the most particular highlights to include on an itinerary of this romantic and lovely part of the Tuscan countryside includes a visit to the beautiful old monastery of Abbazia di Torri in the village of Torri. With its gorgeous polychromatic stone cloister and rich sculptural detailing, this gem is a wonderful example of proto-Romanesque architecture in the area and is, in fact, the only preserved cloister in this style that remains in all of Tuscany. Opening hours are limited and are currently listed on the comune website as Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8.30 to 12.30am. Tickets at €5 and free for those under 12. The church at the monastery remains the local parish and can be seen during Sunday mass.
Another notable architectural wonder in the area is the utterly captivating Villa Celsa, an impossibly pretty castle with stunning manicured gardens. Owned by the same family for the last 400 years, it has curiously often been inherited by the female line since 1612, from the noble de Vecchi family from Siena, to the Florentine Antinori family, to the current owners from the Aldobrandini family. Steeped in history and totally captivating, the park can be visited on request on Tuesdays from 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Just email them at info@castellodicelsa.com to reserve your place and a tour guide who can offer tours in English, German, or Italian.
Ponte Della Pia, meanwhile, is a charming bridge of Roman origin that was rebuilt in the Middle Ages. With a picturesque appearance and ghostly tales surrounding it, it can readily be visited and is an excellent spot to stop off for a photo-op or to seek out while hiking the woods in the area.
So, book your holiday rental in Siena and come ramble in this romantic and beautiful part of the countryside to discover a tranquil, historic, and authentic Tuscany...
