Holiday apartment in Montegiovi – History, Art and Festivals

Montegiovi combines medieval traces, sacred art, an official hiking trail, and local festivals.

History and Religious Connections

The historic connection to Saint Catherine of Siena links Montegiovi to the ancient Via Siena, which joined the Via Francigena. Saint Catherine of Siena stayed in Montegiovi in 1377.

The remains of the old castle of Montegiovi include a polygonal tower and an arched gateway. The Church of Sant'Elena dates from the 11th century and houses a painting depicting Saint Helena and the Finding of the True Cross. The Church of San Martino dates from the 13th century. The polygonal tower and the arched gateway represent preserved parts of the old castle, while Sant'Elena and San Martino are two churches from different centuries.

The Oratory of Madonna degli Schiavi houses a fresco of the Madonna and Child, which some critics associate with the school of Simone Martini. The Church of Madonna degli Schiavi was built during the Renaissance as a rural chapel at the foot of an old fortified village and was remodeled in the 19th century. The chapel therefore has its own chronological sequence: its construction dates to the Renaissance, while its remodeling took place in the 19th century.

Hiking Trail and Outdoor Art

The official Itinerario 615 hiking trail passes through Seggiano, Montegiovi, Montelaterone, Santa Caterina, and Roccalbegna. The Giardino di Piero Bonacina in Montegiovi displays the artist's sculptures made of iron, concrete, wood, sandstone from Manciano, and travertine from Saturnia. Different materials come together in the garden: iron and concrete stand alongside wood, sandstone from Manciano, and travertine from Saturnia.

Mountains and Monasteries in the Surrounding Area

The mountains Monte Cucco, Monte Buceto, Monte Aquilaia, and Monte Amiata are located around Montegiovi. The Abbazia di Sant'Antimo, a monastery, is also nearby, as is the Abbazia di San Salvatore, another monastery. In the broader regional area are Castello Banfi, a castle, and the Fortezza di Montalcino, a fortress.

Crafts, Cherries, and New Olive Oil

Montegiovi is considered the home of basket makers who hand-wove baskets and containers from willow branches. The Festa della Saracia celebrates Montegiovi's local cherry with sweet treats, jams, and a complete cherry-based menu. The cherry shapes the festival in several forms, from sweet treats and jams to the complete cherry-based menu. The Sagra della Bruschetta e dell'Olio Nuovo offers the first seasonal pressing of the new olive oil for tasting.

September Celebrations in Montegiovi

During the September celebrations in honor of Madonna degli Schiavi, a religious procession takes place through Montegiovi on Sunday morning, accompanied by offerings from the local population and a marching band.

For the overall travel overview: Castel Del Piano.