Holiday Apartment in Cana: Medieval History, Art and Monte Amiata

Cana lies on a hill between the Trasubbie and Trasubbino streams and on the slopes of Monte Amiata, at an elevated location. From here, you can look out over forests, olive groves and, in some places, the valley of the Albegna River.

Holiday apartment in Cana between castle and art

Cana presents itself as a typical medieval castle settlement whose development followed the natural contours of the terrain around the original Rocca. The original fortifications were built by the Aldobrandeschi; some sections of the ancient walls that enclosed the original castle have survived to this day. During a walk through the quiet lanes surrounding the main square, you will come across the Church of San Martino. At the same time, the lanes offer views of the surrounding landscape.

A 17th-century Medici cistern has been preserved on the main square. It collected rainwater through an ingenious pipe system connected to its central structure. The square therefore combines a tangible insight into the historical water supply with the castle settlement’s townscape.

Works of art in Cana’s townscape

Cana is also home to numerous permanent works of art. The “LE NOZZE DI CANA” art gallery currently makes a large collection of paintings by the artist and writer SKIM available for viewing by appointment. Year after year, Cana is enriched with permanent murals, sculptures and installations. The murals include works by Ericailcane, SKIM and JodyPinge; the sculptures and installations are by Paolo Staccioli, Sarah Del Giudice and Silvano Bavia.

One individual work stands out because of its specific location: Paolo Staccioli’s bronze sculpture “Il Guerriero di Cana” is installed in Cana’s castle courtyard square. A tour therefore leads not only to historic walls and the Church of San Martino, but also to works of art displayed in various squares and throughout the townscape.

Festivals and the local chestnut tradition

The Festa Medievale takes place in Cana every year. The Sagra della Biondina is also celebrated every year; “Biondina” is the local term for a roasted chestnut. The name Biondina refers to a roasted chestnut and gives the festival its local culinary connection within Cana’s annual cycle of events. The two festivals complement the castle’s historical impressions with recurring cultural occasions and a local culinary specialty.

The forests of Monte Amiata and the historic surroundings

In the area around Cana, trails suitable for excursions run through the forests of Monte Amiata. Anyone wishing to explore the surroundings on foot will find not only Cana’s townscape but also paths through the forests of Monte Amiata. The historic surroundings also include the fortified estate of Castagnolo, where the site known as “Buca di Pietro Pinca” is located. Castagnolo complements the original Rocca as another historic fortified site in the area around Cana. You can also include Usi in your further travel plans.

For the broader travel overview: Roccalbegna.