Piancastagnaio

What to See in Piancastagnaio

Once you arrive, there are many things to see in Piancastagnaio. The Aldobrandesca Fortress (Rocca Aldobrandesca) is a must-visit, as is the historic center with its narrow streets and decorated doorways. Don’t miss a visit to the Siele mine, which is now part of the Mining Museum Park of Mount Amiata. If you’re interested in local history, the Mezzolombardo Museum provides insights into the medieval village’s past. There are also beautiful churches, like the Church of Santa Lucia and the Church of San Bartolomeo, worth exploring.

Main Events in Piancastagnaio

One of the town’s notable traditions is the Palio di Piancastagnaio, an event of medieval origin created to entertain the Lords with horse races between the districts of the free communes. The event takes place every August 18th before sunset and involves the participation of the town’s four districts: Borgo, Castello, Coro, and Voltaia. Representatives of the districts parade in medieval costumes alongside ladies, drummers, and flag-throwers. Each district chooses its horse, and jockeys ride bareback. The district that arrives first wins the Palio.

Local Products

Among the typical products of the area, the Monte Amiata IGP chestnut is famous for its unmistakably sweet and delicate flavor.

How to Get There

To reach Piancastagnaio, you can take the A1 motorway to the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme exit, then follow the SS2 Cassia road towards Abbadia San Salvatore, and finally follow the signs to Piancastagnaio. If you’re traveling by train, the nearest station is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, from where you can take a bus to Piancastagnaio.