A weekend in the Val di Chiana

Spending a weekend in the Val di Chiana means seeking unprecedented mental and physical relaxation. The landscapes this part of Tuscany can offer our eyes are such that they act as a tranquilliser for our mind. If you are tired and depressed by city life, my advice is to spend a few days in this splendid area, rich in history and quality of life.

In particular I want to point out a Medieval Village, the small village of Trequanda, in the province of Siena. To reach this village, take the Autosole motorway, Val di Chiana exit. Then you have to head towards Sinalunga (about ten kilometres from the toll booth) and then follow the signs for Trequanda (about 7 km from Sinalunga).

The village immediately reveals all its charm. Perched on a hill 460 metres above sea level, the town has ancient origins: the Castle Tower dates back to around 1300. Inside the village everything seems to have stopped 500 years ago: everything is perfectly integrated, the houses within the walls are perfectly maintained, even though at the time of our visit the internal streets were uneven due to work on the water pipes.

On the main square, besides the inevitable bar, the newsstand and the post office, there is the inevitable branch of Monte dei Paschi. But what strikes you is the state of preservation of the ancient church of San Pietro and Andrea, where inside are the remains of the Blessed Bonizzella. The village celebrates its blessed every year in May, with a procession through the streets of the town, decorated for the occasion with May flowers and rose petals.

In the village there is only one place to eat, the restaurant Conte Matto. It offers highly refined Tuscan cuisine, with a very large and varied wine cellar. You can taste local food and local wines, don't forget we are in the Chianti DOCG area. The prices are not those of an "inn" but the quality of the food offered is exceptional.

Just outside the village, near the Carabinieri barracks, there is a shop where you can buy all the typical products of Chianti, from wine to oil, from organic jams to Chianina meat. I forgot to tell you that Trequanda is an orange flag for olive oil, the pride of this area, along with the excellent wine.

To buy these products, besides the shop mentioned, I recommend the Consorzio della Cariplo (owner of a good part of the oil and wine production area). Before reaching the village, about 200 metres before the junction for Asciano, turn left and you'll find the Consorzio. It is open to the public for the sale of all products. You'll truly be spoiled for choice... and if you happen to be there during the "Cantine Aperte" event... then look for a good farm stay too, because you won't be in a condition to drive after the tasting tour! To sleep you have many farm-stay options. They are very welcoming, with a pool and many comforts but quite expensive.

It depends on the season but you won't easily find rooms for less than €150, going up to €500 a night! If you don't have that kind of budget (like most people!) then you'll have to settle for rooms for rent in the village, starting at €50 a night. Bathroom and clean linen... what more could you ask of a room?

If you go in summer there's also a public pool (entry €6) and a tennis court. Many foreign tourists crowd these areas precisely in the summer period: Germans, English and Dutch come who love this land and its flavours.

Around Trequanda you can take beautiful walks: reach the "in" area of the village, towards the old "Molino a Vento" where there are little houses immersed in greenery, or decide to take a walk along the many paths that climb into the surrounding woods. Many are the farmhouses that have been turned into farm stays, bought by tourists or entrepreneurs who decided to leave their grey cities to move to this corner of paradise.

If you get the chance, around Trequanda there are many things to do and see: a trip to Montalcino, to Bagni Vignoni, to the Abbey of Monte Uliveto, or go to Siena (about 50 km). Other interesting trips are on the eastern side of the area, namely Lake Trasimeno or Arezzo. Oh yes, because Trequanda's position is quite strategic: it is close to many places and you can easily visit many characteristic spots even in nearby Umbria.

The village is equipped with a website where you can find plenty of useful information. Moreover, the hospitality of the people of Trequanda is such that they'll never make you feel out of place. There is also a Pro Loco office with plenty of information on festivals and fairs in nearby towns and with the itineraries of the Treno Natura.

We had a wonderful time. And we'll definitely be back to fully enjoy the hospitality again and admire the beauty of these lands. If you want more info, just write to me! Bye and happy trip