In the last post, we discussed the beautiful town of Asciano in the Crete Senesi, one of the most undoubtedly scenic and picturesque parts of Tuscany. If you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany and are looking for somewhere to spend a day, it is an ideal day-trip location. Or, if you want something a bit more relaxed, why not find a vacation rental in Asciano itself and spend your time surrounded by the most picture-perfect scenery imaginable. Then, if you're looking for things to see and do, why not browse our list of five excellent things to do in Asciano, continued from the last post...
2. Visit her Museums
Speaking of the fine exterior of the Civic Archaeological and Sacred Art Museum is attractive, the collections held inside are also appealing. It houses archeological finds dating from antiquity and art dating from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Everything inside is from the surrounding area but the sacred art section is particularly noteworthy quality, boasting a wooden crucifix by Giovanni Pisano, the Triptych of Rofeno by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and the great masterpiece that is the Nativity of the Virgin Mary by the “Maestro dell’Osservanza”, among others. In addition to this, there is the Cassioli Museum, which was established in 1991 with an extraordinary bequest of artworks by the family of artist Amos Cassioli. It is the only museum in the province of Siena that is dedicated entirely to Sienese paintings from the fourteenth century and also boasts excellent graphics and sculpture sections.
2. Visit her Museums
Speaking of the fine exterior of the Civic Archaeological and Sacred Art Museum is attractive, the collections held inside are also appealing. It houses archeological finds dating from antiquity and art dating from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Everything inside is from the surrounding area but the sacred art section is particularly noteworthy quality, boasting a wooden crucifix by Giovanni Pisano, the Triptych of Rofeno by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and the great masterpiece that is the Nativity of the Virgin Mary by the “Maestro dell’Osservanza”, among others. In addition to this, there is the Cassioli Museum, which was established in 1991 with an extraordinary bequest of artworks by the family of artist Amos Cassioli. It is the only museum in the province of Siena that is dedicated entirely to Sienese paintings from the fourteenth century and also boasts excellent graphics and sculpture sections.
3. Eat Well
There are lots of tasty things to be eaten in town. If you head next door to the Civic Archaeological and Sacred Art Museum you'll find Amor Divino, which specialise in Florentine steak that is cooked on an open fire in the middle of the dining room. In the middle of town, you'll find La Mencia, where it's hard to beat eating traditional Tuscan delights on their terrace.
4. Attend A Donkey Race
If you happen to find yourself in Asciano come September, be sure to reserve the second Sunday of the month to attend the town's annual donkey race. Yes, you read that right, donkeys, not horses. This event, the "Palio dei Ciuchi", is a race in which the seven quarters of Asciano each have a donkey represent them in the old city stadium. A unique local tradition, it is not just a race but a whole festival that involves fun, partying, colour, excitement, and great food.
5. Go Hiking
Properly delving into that gorgeous Tuscan landscape is a must and there are over ten different hiking routes in the area around Asciano that make for the ideal way to take it all in and explore it for yourself. Start out at the incredibly beautiful Monte Oliveto Maggiore Monastery and head to Buonconvento, simply climb to the top of Monte Oliveto itself or try out the Intorno a Leonina trail.
So, what are you waiting for? Get planning your trip to Tuscany and come explore Asciano for yourself!
There are lots of tasty things to be eaten in town. If you head next door to the Civic Archaeological and Sacred Art Museum you'll find Amor Divino, which specialise in Florentine steak that is cooked on an open fire in the middle of the dining room. In the middle of town, you'll find La Mencia, where it's hard to beat eating traditional Tuscan delights on their terrace.
4. Attend A Donkey Race
If you happen to find yourself in Asciano come September, be sure to reserve the second Sunday of the month to attend the town's annual donkey race. Yes, you read that right, donkeys, not horses. This event, the "Palio dei Ciuchi", is a race in which the seven quarters of Asciano each have a donkey represent them in the old city stadium. A unique local tradition, it is not just a race but a whole festival that involves fun, partying, colour, excitement, and great food.
5. Go Hiking
Properly delving into that gorgeous Tuscan landscape is a must and there are over ten different hiking routes in the area around Asciano that make for the ideal way to take it all in and explore it for yourself. Start out at the incredibly beautiful Monte Oliveto Maggiore Monastery and head to Buonconvento, simply climb to the top of Monte Oliveto itself or try out the Intorno a Leonina trail.
So, what are you waiting for? Get planning your trip to Tuscany and come explore Asciano for yourself!
