The Siena hills they were the birthplace of the artist who created the first nativity scene in history, Arnolfo Di Cambia. And it is on these hills that today you can admire an extremely interesting exhibition of Nativity art. We are located at Sarteano, a town dominated by an impressive fifteenth-century castle and enlivened in December by the tradition of Christmas markets and fairs. An attractive village all year round, but at Advent, it shows itself in all its glory!
Motorcycle itinerary from Siena to Sartean
Map
Way
Departure from the provincial capital, Siena. Take the state road SS715 to Sinalunga. The A1 Autostrada del Sole is nearby, but even better is the SP135 provincial road, which takes you on a nice panoramic trip along the Valdichiana. Achieve Montepulciano and continue on Provincial Road SP146 until Chianciano Terme. Then continue along the SP19 towards Sarteano, the destination of the route.
All the attractions not to be missed in Sarteano
Sarteano is located in Val d’Orcia on the border with Val di Chiana, at an altitude of 573 m above sea level. It has a large number of churches on its territory, but it is characterized above all by its medieval castle. It boasts the Orange Flag award from the Italian Tourist Club. In the main square of the city stands out the war memorial, the “handsome pawn”, which was defined by Professor Carlo Cresti of the University of Florence as “the best war memorial in Italy” for its artistic sobriety.
A castle from the fifteenth century
Castle of Sarteano
Built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 15th century medieval castle it is an impressive building that is a symbol of the city and testifies to its importance in the past. It is open to the public for visits and entry costs €4.
City Archaeological Museum
However, the history of the Spartans does not begin in the Middle Ages: it has its roots back to the time of the Etruscans. Civic Archaeological Museum tells about the development of the village, especially in the first centuries of its existence. The ticket costs €4. It is also worth noting the Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga in the Etruscan necropolis in the Pianacce area: excavations have brought to light a tomb with a pictorial cycle from the 4th century BC, a very important archaeological discovery that can only be visited on Saturdays by reservation.
Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga, in Sarteano
Domenico Beccafumi Art Room
A small but interesting space dedicated to art is that of Domenico Beccafumi Art Room, inside the church of San Martino. It shows the visitor a collection of Sienese and Florentine works dating from the 14th to 17th centuries. Occasionally – especially during the Christmas period – it hosts some artworks that are part of the Sarteano event dedicated to Nativity scenes.
Bethlehem of Sartean
If you head to these hills during the Christmas season – from December 8th to January 6th – you will find the “Sarteano Paese dei Presepi†in full swing, with events and meetings organized as part of the eagerly awaited large-scale “Art in the Nativity†exhibition. This exhibition is a significant nativity scene that takes place in the heart of the historic center through different stages. One of these stages is Nativity scenes from the World Museum small private collection owned by the Rappuoli Bologni family, set up in a noble palace located in Piazzetta Ricasoli, with free entry.
Sarteano, panoramic view
