Crete Senesi
Rolling hills of greyish-white clay north of the Val d'Orcia, dotted with cypresses and isolated farmhouses, changing dramatically through the seasons.
The Crete Senesi are rolling hills of Pliocene marine clay southeast of Siena, around Asciano. The soil is greyish-white. Bare slopes form gullies and small white mounds known as biancane, and after autumn and winter ploughing the landscape resembles the surface of the moon. Wheat fields turn bright green in spring and golden by early summer. The classic drive is the SP438 road (Lauretana) from Asciano to Siena, with lone cypresses, farmhouses and cypress rings along the way, where you can stop anytime to take photos. It is about 30 minutes north of the Val d'Orcia and is often combined with Monte Oliveto Maggiore for a half-day trip.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore
- Cypresses of San Quirico d'Orcia
- Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
- San Quirico d'Orcia
- Podere Belvedere
- Montalcino
- Pienza
- Bagno Vignoni