More medieval Tuscany: Sarteano

Sarteano, Tuscany, ItalyAh, more medieval Tuscany. I’ve already written to our visit to some of the small towns of Tuscany’s beuatiful Valdorcia. My son was at a track and field camp in pretty Abbadia di San Salvatore, which I’ve written about in an earlier post.

But medieval towns are sprinkled all over this pretty region in the province of Siena, and are well worth a visit. One such place is the medieval town of Sarteano.

Sarteano, Tuscany, ItalyIt’s worth wandering the old, medieval streets of pretty Sarteano.

The first mentions of Sarteano as an actual town date back to  the 11th century, with the presence of the Longobard Family under Count Farolfi. Later, in the 15th century, the town would become part of the Republic of Siena.

The first reference to Sarteano’s castle is in 1038. During its long history, the castle was witness to many sieges – including by the infamous Ceasar Borgia (son of Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander) in 1503.

Sarteano, Tuscany, Italy

Going down the castle’s ‘secret'(and dark!) staircase…

The defensive walls were protected by lighting fires – something I learned was typical of the region in the Middle Ages. The castle has recently be restored and is open to the public, and the views are beautiful from the tower.

Since this town is also hear the Val di Chiana, it’s also a good place to eat bistecca alla fiorentina. I went for the traditional pici pasta for lunch, but the rest of my family enjoyed their local steak. I did try a bite, and it was delicious. Maybe next time.

If you’re in the region, enjoying all the beautiful places to see in Tuscany, be sure to also stop off in Sarteano. Also see my earlier post about nearby Monte Amiata.

Sarteano, Tuscany, Italy

8 Comments

  1. wordfoolery on September 15, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    Sounds lovely. My eldest loved the pici pasta on our last trip. Youngest was more focused on the gelato 🙂

    • kimberlysullivan on September 16, 2015 at 9:35 pm

      Ooh, I love pici, too. My son was eating it every night at his running camp. Love Tuscany.

  2. ledrakenoir on September 17, 2015 at 8:45 pm

    As you do, so I love Tuscany – so much charming atmosphere in thes cities, towns and village – never be finish in that wonderful area… 🙂

    Lovely post… 🙂

    • kimberlysullivan on September 19, 2015 at 8:32 am

      It is fabulous, isn’t it? And the food and wine aren’t so bad either. : )

      • ledrakenoir on September 19, 2015 at 8:36 am

        Agree, absolutly – not the worse thing at all… 😀

  3. […] written about places to see in the area, including medieval gems Abbadia di San Salvatore and Sarteano, and the dormant volcano/mountain Monte […]

  4. […] more regional tips, see my earlier post on Abbadia di San Salvatore, visiting medieval Sarteano, views from the top of the volcano-mountain Monte Amiata, and relaxing in the thermal baths of San […]

  5. […] travel tips around Tuscany, see my earlier posts on the imposing castle of Radicofani, visiting medieval Sarteano, views from the top of the volcano-mountain Monte Amiata, relaxing in the thermal baths of San […]

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