Sarteano (Siena)

The town
Sarteano rises between the sweet hills of the ancient Etruria at 575 metres on the sea level.
Sarteano is on the buttress of the Cetona Mount, in a magnificent level ground position. It dominates Chiana Valley, Arezzo?s Valley and a great part of Umbria.

The large number of archaeological finds discovered in its area testifies a continuity of the human presence since Paleolithic till Bronze and Iron Age. The Etruscan presence is remarkable too, as the numerous necropolis testify ; they are among the most important of the territory of Chiusi.

A 10th-century castle stands on the summit of a spur running through the town, yet the history of Sarteano starts very much earlier. From an ancient, pre-Etruscan settlement, it became a Roman then a medieval town and other than the fortress Sarteano has been able to save the San Lorenzo and Apollinare cathedral which was built in the 1th century using reclaimed Etruscan and Roman materials and extended in 1723.
Of special importance is the San Francesco church, 13th-century Renaissance Facade and remains of a cloister with mullioned windows and inside a triptych with Madonna and child with saints by Jacopo di Mino del Pellicciaio.
Another church to visit is San Martino in Foro which, transferred from its original position on the town square to its present one, was redesigned in neoclassical style in 1841. Here can be seen two paintings of Madonna with child (attributed to Andrea di Niccolo (1450-1529) and Jacopo di Mino del Pellicciaio) as well as an annunciation by Domenico Beccafumi (1486-1551).
Other historical monuments include the town hall, the Arrischianti theatre, Palazzo Piccolomini, Palazzo Goti-Fanelli, Palazzo Cennini and Palazzo del Podesta.
As we leave Sarteano to the west it is possibile to reach Castiglioncello Sul Trinoro and enjoy a healthy walk through the coppice and pine woods. To the south, towards Radicofani, we find the ancient fortified abbey of Spineta at 610 metres above sea level, with romanesque church annex and then continuing on towards the slopes of Mount Cetona the villages of Fontevetriana and Casa Bebi.
Every August15th Sarteano attracts hundreds of people to its town square for the traditional "Saracino", a procession in historical costume followed by n contest on horseback between the ancient rivals from the five Contrade.

The spas
there are thermal water spas of hot mineral water for relaxation and beauty therapy.
For more informations: SARTEANO (Siena) Pro-Loco Phone: +39 578 265312

Useful numbers
Tourist Office phone (+39) 0578 265312
First-aid phone (+39) 118
Fire Brigade - Montepulciano phone (+39) 0578 757222
Municipality (operator) phone (+39) 0578 2691
"Bologni" Chemists phone (+39) 0578 267092
Hospital - Nottola phone (+39) 0578 3171
Carabinieri - Police phone (+39) 0578 265509
Municipal Police phone (+39) 0578 269226