The Crete Senesi look like a different world. In spring, an explosion of nature turns the fields to green waves caressed by the wind. In autumn, the farmers’ ploughs bring the clay back to the surface with its ethereal violet shimmer. It's no surprise the region produces excellent sheep’s milk cheese, given an unmistakable flavour of the wild herbs the sheep graze on. Land of olive groves that produce the fine Terre di Siena oil, and here you can find a variety of one of the rarest and finest white truffles in Italy.
In this clay region, with its endless horizons, you will not find a lot of rocks or stone buildings. Almost everything is made of clay bricks, like the distinctive beautiful farmhouses that are isolated on hilltops. The country is dense with magnificent monuments, which mark specific former territories. Cardinal points, like the Abbey of Monte Oliveto, showcase fabulous 16th Century architecture through their well-preserved cloisters. Fortified medieval storehouses or granaries like, Grancia di Cuna are in abundance. Even the ancient castlea of San Giovanni d’Asso are open to the public.
Asciano, the historic chief city of this region, is where you can admire the 14th Century Sienese city walls, side by side with the Romanesque architecture of the Basilica of Sant’Agata. The city hosts many fine restaurants and cafes too, so hire a car and make several trips to this mini haven.