Monticiano (Tuscany): pop. 1,500 [ MAP ] 

The village of Monticiano rises in Siena's province, in Tuscany, south west of the city, where the metalliferous hills meet the first Maremma's woods and offers nature lovers an uncontaminated environment rich in flora and fauna, variegated by waters and paths, by singular geological sites, architectural monuments and art treasures to unveil, away from the usual tourist routes; a strong sense of its history and of its traditions of labour, culture and recreation all in constant touch with a natural heritage that is harsh and wild and for this reason unique. 

For those that enjoy excursions in nature's solemn silence there is no better place than the Monticiano territory, which includes the villages of "Iesa", "San Lorenzo a Merse", "Tocchi", "Scalvaia", "Bagni di Petriolo", "Il Santo" and offers a series of forest courses ideal for excursions on foot, on bike and horse back, crossing marvellous woods of chestnut trees and turkey oaks, cork trees, ferns and strawberry trees, but also extremely rare plant species like the yew and the beech. Along the rivers Farma and Merse and the numerous streams that flow silently between valleys and rocks it is not unusual to come face to face with otters, or alpine newts, or to be able to spot the Fario trout or the rare river prawn. In Monticiano guided tours are organized through the naturalistic paths and all the necessary tourist information for visiting the area is provided.

An alternative route in the Monticiano area can be the visit to "Buca Dei Falchi" ( Falcon's Cave).

From the village of "Iesa" leads a path practicable both on foot and by bike, inside the naturalistic territory between the rivers Farma and Merse, crossing the most fascinating parts where it is not unusual to observe birds of prey or other wild animals.

The Falcon's Cave is a big cavern, one of the most spectacular in Siena's Province. It offers a difference in level of 20 meters and an overall growth that stretches for 150 meters.

The cave develops over 4 rooms where the magnificent state of conservation lets one observe the different stages of the life of a cavern. The silence in the cavern is broken only by the rhythm of the water drops falling from above, indicating that the cave is still active.

The spectacle and the colors of the stalactites and stalagmites are fantastic. Access with a guide allows the visit.

The Pro-loco Monticiano association organizes guided excursions with expert speleologists and provides all the necessary equipment. 

The wonderful paths immersed in nature accompany the visitor on the discovery of the many artistic treasures present in the district.

• the Church and cloister of Sant'Agostino with the fresco series representing the Passion of Christ  with works of art by Giovanni di Paolo, Ambrosi, Cozzarelli, Pietro Lorenzetti and the small collection of sacred art;
  

• the SS. Giusto & Clemente parish church with the recently discovered frescoes.
  

•  The alleys, the small piazzas; Monticiano's antique gate and walls; the chapels and hermitages in the surrounding woods;
  

• Tocchi with its castle and the frescoes in the church;
  

• Petriolo's medieval thermal baths;
  

• the parish and the village of San Lorenzo a Merse;
  

• the quiet nature that surrounds the villages of "Iesa" and "Scalvaia".
  

• In addition to the Abbey of San Galgano and the Montesiepi Hermitage  (5 mins drive) a special mention is needed.