If you’re planning to book a tuscan vacation rental, then why not visit the charming village of Piancastagnaio in Siena province whilst you’re here and take part in a famous chestnut festival that is celebrated here in late October every year! It is the oldest and most important festival in the Monte Amiata area and has been held in this lively little village since 1967!
There are some gorgeous luxury villas in Radicofani, a nearby town to Piancastagnaio if tourists want to stay close to the action! Radicofani is a beautiful Orange Flag awarded town that is well worth a visit in itself!
Held in the main square of Piazza Belvedere, the chestnut festival originated because of the importance surrounding this staple food in the area. High up in the mountains, the ground was fertile but the climate was too cold for some vegetables and grains to successfully grow.
There are some gorgeous luxury villas in Radicofani, a nearby town to Piancastagnaio if tourists want to stay close to the action! Radicofani is a beautiful Orange Flag awarded town that is well worth a visit in itself!
Held in the main square of Piazza Belvedere, the chestnut festival originated because of the importance surrounding this staple food in the area. High up in the mountains, the ground was fertile but the climate was too cold for some vegetables and grains to successfully grow.
Chestnut trees were perfectly suited to higher altitudes and so became a great source of sustenance to the mountain people. The chestnuts were harvested peeled and often eaten raw or roasted in a pan over the fire. It was also ground into fine flour and made into delicious chestnut bread called ‘Castagnaccio’.
Inside the village’s solid medieval walls which were called Rocca Aldobrandesca, this bustling festival offers visitors all kinds of delicious chestnut themed dishes and products to try! Taste typical chestnut street food like Castagnaccio smothered with sweet homemade butter and Marrone chestnut jam, or other delicacies like ‘Brodolose’,’ Monne’, ‘Crostate’ and ‘Suggioli’.
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a close-knit community dancing and singing along to street music. Why not join in with these jolly festivities with the welcoming villagers and enjoy a wonderful experience!
Inside the village’s solid medieval walls which were called Rocca Aldobrandesca, this bustling festival offers visitors all kinds of delicious chestnut themed dishes and products to try! Taste typical chestnut street food like Castagnaccio smothered with sweet homemade butter and Marrone chestnut jam, or other delicacies like ‘Brodolose’,’ Monne’, ‘Crostate’ and ‘Suggioli’.
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a close-knit community dancing and singing along to street music. Why not join in with these jolly festivities with the welcoming villagers and enjoy a wonderful experience!
Ever since the 14th century, delicious chestnuts have been cultivated in the Monte Amiata region and they have become so famous that they now have a specific title, ‘Castagne del Monte Amiata IGP’. There are three varieties called; Marrone, Bastarda and Cecio which all have a distinctive sweet and delicate flavour.
During the festival here you must try some aromatic roasted chestnuts along with a sweet red wine; they go perfectly together! They’re also delicious crushed and sprinkled over homemade custard or ice cream. The ‘Crastatone’ celebration in Piancastagnaio village is certainly a gastronomic festival you should head to on your next holiday to Tuscany!
During the festival here you must try some aromatic roasted chestnuts along with a sweet red wine; they go perfectly together! They’re also delicious crushed and sprinkled over homemade custard or ice cream. The ‘Crastatone’ celebration in Piancastagnaio village is certainly a gastronomic festival you should head to on your next holiday to Tuscany!
Photo credits
picture 1: Beatrice / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 2: Achromatic / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Zyance / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Beatrice / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 2: Achromatic / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Zyance / CC BY-SA 3.0
