What to see in Chiusdino
Chiusdino is a characteristic medieval village located in the beautiful area between the Merse Valley and the Metalliferous Hills. Situated on a hilltop, it offers a breathtaking view of the Sienese hills and surrounding vineyards. This enchanting village also still retains all the charm of a bygone era, thanks to its old buildings made of typical red and white bricks in the Sienese style. If you are planning a trip to discover ancient traditions and typical Tuscan flavours, you can’t miss this magnificent village. Here are some tips on everything you need to see in and around Chiusdino.
Places to visit in Chiusdino
Chiusdino, an enchanting town in the Sienese hills, is a magnificent example of Tuscany’s historic medieval villages. The charming old town with its picturesque narrow streets and squares is a perfectly preserved jewel of medieval art and architecture. Chiusdino offers both numerous historical attractions and a magnificent landscape for walking in a natural setting. In this article, we will give you some tips on what to visit in Chiusdino during your trip to discover its beauty and history.
Propositura di San Michele Arcangelo
The Propositura di San Michele Arcangelo is one of the main churches in Chiusdino and represents one of the village’s major tourist attractions. The exterior façade, built in Romanesque style, is very simple and linear; in fact, the real treasure is inside the church. The Propositura di San Michele Arcangelo is famous because it houses a reliquary containing the head of San Galgano, a saint who was born and died in Chiusdino in the 12th century. In addition to the relics of St Galgano, visitors can admire numerous frescoes and works of art, including a 16th century wooden statue of the archangel Michael and a 15th century wooden crucifix.
Abbey of San Galgano
The Abbey of San Galgano is an ancient open-air abbey located in the Sienese hills, a few kilometres from the municipality of Chiusdino, in the province of Siena. Built in the 12th century, it is now one of the most important and evocative historical sites in Tuscany. The abbey features Gothic and Romanesque architecture and still retains some decorative elements of the period, such as columns and cross vaults; the only missing element is the roof, which makes it unique.
Inside, the church houses numerous works of art, including a statue of St Galgano dating back to the 14th century. Every year, this place attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, who come here to admire the architectural and historical beauty of the abbey and to attend the numerous cultural and musical events that take place within it. In particular, during the summer months, the abbey becomes a stage for concerts and dance and theatre performances, creating a magical and evocative atmosphere.
Hermitage of Montesiepi
A short walk away from the Abbey of San Galgano, following a path immersed in nature, visitors can reach the Hermitage of Montesiepi, an avocative and fascinating place that has become famous for the legend of the ‘Sword in the Stone’. The hermitage dates back to the 13th century and consists of a small circular church with an imposing cone-shaped dome. Inside, visitors can find the famous Sword in the Stone, protected by a layer of glass: according to legend, it was planted there by Saint Galgano himself to symbolise his decision to abandon a military life and devote himself to religion instead. Today, it is a place of worship that attracts millions of tourists a year, but it is also a place of pilgrimage and prayer, frequented by the faithful who come here to pray and to participate in religious celebrations in honour of Saint Galgano.
Hiking in the Sienese hills
All around the magical village of Chiusdino are the magnificent Sienese hills, characterised by lush vegetation and breathtaking views. In fact, one of the most popular activities for tourists and residents alike are the local trails, which can be explored on foot or by bicycle. One of the most famous routes is the Sentiero della Merse, which runs through the Alto Merse Regional Nature Reserve to the village of Monticiano and offers spectacular views of the Tuscan hills. A perfect place for lovers of nature and outdoor sports.
What to see near Chiusdino
But it’s not just the village of Chiusdino with all its attractions that is of great cultural interest; the medieval city of Siena is located just a few kilometres away. Famous throughout the world for its artistic heritage, it is a town full of treasures waiting to be discovered, such as Piazza del Campo, the Duomo, the Torre del Mangia and Palazzo Pubblico. Strolling through the streets of the historic centre, visitors can discover ancient artisanal workshops and taste typical Sienese cuisine in traditional inns.