Towns and villages
Monte San Savino
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A little medieval town brimming with Renaissance charm
Monte San Savino stands on the western side of the Valdichiana Aretina, opposite Cortona and perched on a mountain overlooking the Esse valley. It’s a deeply historic village where various traces of the Etruscan civilization have been found.
Over the centuries, the town’s fate was inextricably linked with the clashes between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. The latter had the upper hand, bringing the town underUbertini (a noble family from Arezzo) rule until 1306 when the town fell under Florentine and Guelph jurisdiction. In 1337, Monte San Savino was ruled by Perugia and then Siena, and in 1384 fell back under Florentine dominion, which sent a Podestà and vicars in order to manage justice in the town.
Monte San Savino reached the height of its splendor between the second half of the 1400s and 1500s, when the noble branch of theCiocchi-Di Montefamily blossomed here. The family was originally from Florence and its members included illustrious figures such as the cardinal Antonio, one of the most influential Renaissance cardinals, who was dear to Julius II and close to the Medici popes.
What to see in Monte San Savino
The historic town still shows traces of that golden age. The Porta Fiorentina in the Cassero is one such example, and is also home to the Cassero Museum which is dedicated to the town’s ancient ceramic traditions. Equally as striking are the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Vertighe, the small but picturesque churches of Santa Chiara, Sant’Agostino and San Giovanni. Passing through the centre you’ll come across the Palazzo Di Monte, the Logge dei Mercanti designed by Nanni di Baccio Bigio, and finally the historic Ghetto with its impressive Synagogue.
The historic town still shows traces of that golden age. The Porta Fiorentina in the Cassero is one such example, and is also home to the Cassero Museum which is dedicated to the town’s ancient ceramic traditions. Equally as striking are the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Vertighe, the small but picturesque churches of Santa Chiara, Sant’Agostino and San Giovanni. Passing through the centre you’ll come across the Palazzo Di Monte, the Logge dei Mercanti designed by Nanni di Baccio Bigio, and finally the historic Ghetto with its impressive Synagogue.
Nearby
Only a few minutes away from Monte San Savino is Marciano della Chiana, an unmissable medieval village with deeply historical roots; its Castle is absolutely breathtaking, towering over the hill immersed in the Valdichiana Aretina countryside.
We recommend taking a brief visit to Lucignano, where – other than its magnificent Castle – the Madonna delle Querce sanctuary stands out, a project credited to Giorgio Vasari.
Only a few minutes away from Monte San Savino is Marciano della Chiana, an unmissable medieval village with deeply historical roots; its Castle is absolutely breathtaking, towering over the hill immersed in the Valdichiana Aretina countryside.
We recommend taking a brief visit to Lucignano, where – other than its magnificent Castle – the Madonna delle Querce sanctuary stands out, a project credited to Giorgio Vasari.
Events
Every year, the weekend of the second Sunday in September is dedicated to a local specialty, the spit-roasted pork. The Porchetta Festival is an unmissable event that boasts over fifty editions, with tastings and good wine.
Every year, the weekend of the second Sunday in September is dedicated to a local specialty, the spit-roasted pork. The Porchetta Festival is an unmissable event that boasts over fifty editions, with tastings and good wine.
Local products
Porchetta is one of the reasons why Monte San Savino is famous throughout Italy, in fact the town holds the record for the longest porchetta in the world! Look for a "salumeria" shop in the village so as not to miss the opportunity to taste this delicacy.
Porchetta is one of the reasons why Monte San Savino is famous throughout Italy, in fact the town holds the record for the longest porchetta in the world! Look for a "salumeria" shop in the village so as not to miss the opportunity to taste this delicacy.
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Must-see places, stage-by-stage routes, events and tips for your trip
AttractionsmapSee on map
Attractions
photo_cameraAttractionsCassero Museum in Monte San Savino
photo_cameraAttractionsLogge dei Mercanti in Monte San Savino
photo_cameraAttractionsChurch of Santa Chiara in Monte San Savino
photo_cameraAttractionsPalazzo Di Monte
photo_cameraAttractionsCisternone of Monte San Savino
photo_cameraAttractionsThe Former Synagogue, Monte San Savino
Ideas
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color_lensIdeasOn the trail of Giorgio Vasari in Arezzo
ItinerariesmapSee on map
Itineraries
directions_bike5.2 kmPath of the Olive Groves by bike
directions_bike4.8 kmPath of the Rocche (Fortresses) of the Valdichiana in the Arezzo area
directions_bike469.1 kmPath of the Leopoldine
directions_car230 kmOlive oil itineraries in the lands of the Etruscans
Valdichiana Aretina
With its fields, it’s been known as the “Tuscany’s granary” since the Etruscan era
Show morearrow_forwardValdichiana Aretina
With its fields, it’s been known as the “Tuscany’s granary” since the Etruscan era
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photo_size_select_actualTowns and villagesMonte San Savino
