Sarteano is one of those Tuscan villages that the tourist crowds haven't found yet — and that's its greatest fortune. Nestled between Val di Chiana and Val d'Orcia at 573 metres above sea level, this small medieval gem offers an authentic and peaceful experience, far from queues and souvenir shops.
If you're staying here — perhaps at the Antico Convento Santa Chiara — you have a village that can be explored in a morning but leaves a memory that lasts for weeks. Here's what not to miss.
Sarteano Castle
The symbol of the village is its medieval fortress, whose current structure dates back to the 15th century, while the first documented record of the Rocca dates to 1038. The castle dominates the village from above and offers one of the most spectacular views in the area: on clear days you can see simultaneously the Val d'Orcia, Val di Chiana and — in the most favourable conditions — even Monte Amiata.
Throughout the year, cultural and gastronomic events take place within the fortress and its grounds. Check the local programme before your visit: summer and autumn are usually the richest seasons for events.
The Etruscan Necropolis of Pianacce
This is the discovery that leaves even the most seasoned visitors breathless. A few minutes from the centre, along the road towards Cetona, the Necropolis of Pianacce is one of the best-preserved Etruscan funerary complexes in Italy. Discovered in 2003 and dating back to the second half of the 4th century BC, the tomb of the "Infernal Quadriga" — painted with scenes of the underworld of rare quality and completeness — is considered one of the most significant finds in Etruscan archaeology in recent decades.
This magnificent work can be visited by appointment only, every Saturday from June to September at 9:30 am and 6:00 pm, and from October to May at 3:00 pm. To book, contact +39 0578 269261 or send an email to info.museo@comune.sarteano.si.it. The Civic Museum of the village manages guided tours and can provide up-to-date information.
Practical information — Necropolis
- Opening: every Saturday of the year
- Booking required through the Civic Museum
- Guided tours only
- Distance from the centre: approx. 2 km
The Civic Archaeological Museum
Located inside the 16th-century Palazzo Gabrielli, the Civic Museum of Sarteano houses artefacts from the necropolises of the surrounding area. Small but extraordinarily rich, it displays cinerary urns, ceramics, bronze objects and other significant evidence of human presence in the Sarteano territory, left mainly by Etruscan civilisation from the 9th to the 1st century BC. An hour spent here completely changes the way you look at the landscape outside.
Practical information — Museum
- April to October: open every day except non-holiday Mondays, 10:30–12:30 and 16:00–19:00
- November to March: open Saturday, Sunday, public holidays and eves, 10:30–12:30 and 16:00–18:30
- Address: Via Roma 24, Sarteano
- Phone: +39 0578 269261
- Email: info.museo@comune.sarteano.si.it
The historic centre streets
Sarteano is a village to be walked slowly, without a fixed destination. The medieval stone lanes wind around the castle, creating pockets of absolute quiet. There are no attractions to tick off a list — there is a village to be lived, with its small shops, its corners, the occasional local sitting outside their door.
The church of San Martino, a stone's throw from the Antico Convento Santa Chiara, preserves a true gem behind its neoclassical façade: the Annunciation by Beccafumi, one of the last works of the Sienese Mannerist painter, dating from 1546.
Gastronomy
The Sarteano area is a land of extraordinary produce. Local Pecorino, wild boar, pici pasta with ragù or aglione sauce, legume soups — this is authentic Tuscan cuisine, not the tamed version made for tourists.
The village restaurants — few, good, often family-run — serve seasonal menus that change according to what the surrounding countryside offers.
The Giostra del Saracino: a journey back in time
Every year on 15 August, Sarteano comes alive for the Giostra del Saracino, an unmissable event that takes visitors back in time, among knights, challenges and ancient rituals.
Its origins lie in the Middle Ages, when jousting tournaments were true tests of courage and skill. Today, this ancient tradition lives on in a vivid historical re-enactment that captivates visitors of all ages.
Five riders — known as giostratori — represent the five districts of the village. Galloping at full speed, they must lance a small ring on the shield of the "Saracino", a wooden half-bust statue symbolising the ancient enemy. Each successful strike scores a point; a missed thrust or a strike on the wrong part of the shield is met with a symbolic punishment from the mazzafrusto — a flail attached to the statue's arm that swings back sharply. After five runs, called "carriere", the rider with the most valid rings wins.
A unique experience of history, spectacle and passion — the Giostra del Saracino is an event to witness at least once.
How to get to Sarteano
The nearest train station is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme (about 20 km), connected to Rome and Florence by regional and intercity trains. By car, Sarteano is reached from the A1 motorway at the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme exit (follow signs towards Chianciano, then Sarteano).
If you are staying at the Antico Convento Santa Chiara, you can explore the village entirely on foot — the hotel is in the heart of the historic centre.
"Sarteano is the village that postcard Tuscany hasn't revealed yet. But those who arrive understand why those who live here hope it stays that way."— Team Convento Santa Chiara
Antico Convento Santa Chiara
A few steps from the castle, in the heart of the village, in a 16th-century convent with a Renaissance cloister and 7 charming rooms. The best place from which to explore Sarteano and its surroundings.
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