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Abbazia di Sant' Antimo
     
   
Abbazia di Sant' Antimo
 
   

The Abbey of Sant'Antimo, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy, is located only 9 km from Montalcino.
Whether arriving from the north or from the south, along the Cassia, Montalcino appears in front of you, at a distance, high up, with its wide outstretched profile, interrupted every now and again by towers and belfries. Amidst olive trees and vineyards, it dominates over those valleys found to the east of the river Asso, to the west of the river Ombrone, and to the south of the river Orcia. The volcanic profile of Monte Amiata closes the southern horizon of this little town in the province of Siena.

Val d’Orcia

Val d’Orcia in Tuscany is a valley which contributed to handing down history and human relationship which has determined the quality of an area, traversed by the main road in the Middle Age: The Via Francigena or Via Romea has been for centuries used by merchants, prelate, soldiers and pilgrims traveling back and forth from the north of Europe through Siena, Val d’Orcia and Rome to Jerusalem, carrying ideas as well as money and produce. It was first documented in 957 by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, in his Diary regarding the places he passed through in his way towards Rome. From Radicofani north the Via follows close to the Via Cassia, another of the old roman roads.
The Abbey of San Salvatore, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia, Sant’Antimo, Montalcino, Buonconvento, Monte Oliveto, Asciano were also stops of Sigeric. The via Francigena continues passing through Siena, Colle val d’Elsa, San Giminiano, Volterra…
All the events which developed along this highway and the adjacent hills, created a landscape, which fascinated the great Sienese painters.
The scenery of the valley begins with symmetry of natural harmony with its soft rolling hills, changes into the majestic grandeur of the Amiata, a mountain abounding with springs of crystal clear water and luxuriant vegetation. The colours of dry clay and golden earth, share the hills; dark green moss and undergrowth cover the base of rocky crags and old farm houses; the gentle colours found in the orderly lines of vineyards mix with the silver grey of the olive groves. The solitude, the empty spaces, the light, the views, conjures up a sense of pleasure, delight and even loneliness difficult to define.
The Val d’Orcia is a landscape of never-ending hills, interspersed with torrents, ravines, rugged outcrops, riverbanks that intertwine until they are lost in the ash colour of the Crete (clay hillocks).
The Francigena, winding among this natural but hostile beauty throughout the centuries, has contributed towards the growth of the small centers and the pride of an ancient people, accustomed to sharing the dreams, arrogance and the Utopia of powerful and famous men. The farming community of the Val d’Orcia has never surrendered to progress, it has always welcomed travelers and pilgrims and always made them welcome.

Tuscany | The Val d'Orcia
Tuscany | The Abbey of Sant' Antimo
 
   
 
   

The Abbey of Sant’Antimo, in a picture-perfect setting just about 9 km south of Montalcino, dates from the 12th century. Follow the road from Montalcino to Castelnuovo dell’Abate. You will see Sant’Antimo on your right, down in the valley, just before Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Drive down into the valley and you will see parking along the road. Nearby the town of Sant’Angelo in Colle, 6km from Sant’Antimo, an enchanting well-preserved village on the top of a hill contained in its circle of walls. You can drive there on a dirt road from Sant’Antimo or on a paved road from Montalcino.

Hidden away from mass-tourism, discover a piece of Italy which remains largely unchanged both nature and lifestyle-wise. The peacefulness of the countryside, the various unique villages and the friendly atmosphere will no doubt pleasantly surprise you. Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Known for its enchanting landscapes, its fantastic and genuine food and beautiful towns as Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena. Podere Santa Pia is located on the edge of the green hills of the Val d'Orcia and the Valle d'Ombrone begins, and one can easily reach some of the most beautiful attractions of Tuscany, such as Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano and San Quirico d'Orcia, famous for their artistic heritage, wine, olive oil production and gastronomic traditions.
Podere Santa Pia is a fully equipped 4 bedroom holiday home. The surrounding countryside is superbly peaceful with vineyards, olive groves, medieval hamlets and castles. Guests can sit in a South facing garden, surrounded by a marvelous natural landscape rich in beautiful hills, ancient villas, centuries-old olive groves, vineyards and hilltop villages with stone parish churches.
This is the land where the DOC wines Montecucco, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino are produced. So, the surrounding countryside is the ideal area for an uncommon wine tour, visiting small farms producing wine and excellent extra virgin olive oil.
The impressive garden (9000square mt.) allows you to enjoy a relaxing holiday and is perfect for taking time out and lounging about while sipping on a glass of local wines, Montecucco DOC and Brunello DOC.
.If you want to spend an unforgettable holiday at Podere Santa Pia and visit these beautiful medieval castles and villages, visit our special offers page or contact us.

Farmhouses in Tuscany | Podere Santa Pia
         
Rocca di Tentennano
Podere Santa Pia
  
Podere Santa Pia
  
Rocca di Tentennano



Pienza
Montalcino
Pieve di Santa Maria dello Spino


The Via Francigena or Via Romea has been for centuries used by merchants, prelate, soldiers and pilgrims traveling back and forth from the north of Europe through Siena, Val d’Orcia and Rome to Jerusalem carrying ideas as well as money and produce. It was first documented in 957 by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, in his Diary regarding the places he passed through in his way towards Rome. From Radicofani north the Via follows close to the Cassia, another of the old roman roads. The Abbey of San Salvatore (see above), Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia, Sant’Antimo, Montalcino, Buonconvento, Monte Oliveto, Asciano were also stops of Sigeric. The via Francigena continues passing through Siena, Colle val d’Elsa, San Giminiano, Volterra.  
Thanks to its central position on the Via Francigena, San Quirico d'Orcia was a focal point for many historic events, including the meeting between the papal legates and the German emperor Frederick the first in 1155. Visitors to this old Etruscan town, with its well-preserved ring of walls, can admire several historic churches and palaces. Built on a design by Carlo Fontana (17th century), Palazzo Chigi Zondadari in Via Dante Alighieri, is famous for the frescoes decorating the walls (by Francesco Corallo, Michelangelo Ricciolini and others). The 16th century Horti Leonini gardens, created by Diomede Leoni, lie in front of the Palace. A tour of the town includes the Walls and Gate or Porta Cappuccini, the Church of S. Maria Assunta (12th cent.), the Church and Convent of S. Francesco (Marian Sanctuary and the Romanesque Collegiate (11th and 13th cent. doorways), containing a triptych by Sano di Pietro and 15th-16th cent. wooden choir stalls) and the Hospital of S. Maria della Scala (1543), The hospital, built in the 12th century, offered shelter to pilgrims and travelers who went along the Via Francigena. In the courtyard there is an l6th century well, and a small loggia, partly blocked in, with three elegant small columns.
The quiet Tuscan village of Montalcino has undergone few changes since medieval times, when it was a stronghold pertaining to the nearby city of Siena. With a small population of around only 6,300 inhabitants, Montalcino was once a strategic point along the road to Rome and offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Asso, Orcia and Ombrone valleys. The town’s fame derives from its production of one of Italy’s finest red wines known as Brunello di Montalcino, regarded by visitors and residents alike as a ‘heavenly’ vintage. Local Brunello can be sampled in the large number of wine shops and enoteche (wine bars) lining the narrow streets, or just outside the city walls in one of the many wineries offering daily tours and a free taste to any who make the trip. The history of Montalcino dates back to the Etruscan and Roman periods, and its name was formed from the Latin ‘mons ilcinus’ (holm-oak mountain). Though independent for a time in the 12th century, the town later became subject to Sienese rule. During the 14th century, the city’s fortress was built to better defend the southernmost border of the Sienese Republic. However, four years after Florence defeated Siena (in 1555), Montalcino landed within the jurisdiction of the Granducato di Toscana of Cosimo dei Medici. In addition to its sleepy medieval streets and sun-soaked vineyards, Montalcino presents other sights such as the Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square) and the Palazzo dei Priori (old Town Hall), as well as the medieval churches of San Francesco, San Egidio and San Agostino. The city’s fortezza (fortress) is almost perfectly preserved, while its two interior courtyards offer a great spot to find shade or hold a picnic. The Enoteca La Fortezza serves up a sophisticated array of cheese plates and local wines to visitors. The Cathedral (of San Salvatore) and the Diocesano Museum are full of sacred works of art by 11th to 16th century painters, and contain other medieval objects and archeological artifacts from San Antimo Abbey (which is located 10 km from Montalcino).

Wines in Tuscany | Sant'Antimo DOC

Sant'Antimo DOC was created in response to the desires of producers to characterise the entire wine production of Montalcino. In fact, this name makes it possible to find a market for Montalcino wines other than Brunello, Rosso and Moscadello. Sant'Antimo is a very broad name that covers many types of red and white wines. In fact, we find Sant'Antimo Rosso, which can also include grape sub-varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot and Pinot Noir, as well as Sant'Antimo Bianco that can make use of the Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Pinot Gris varieties. Sant'Antimo Rosso can also be produced as a Novello. Moreover, it is possible to produce Sant'Antimo Vin Santo using white grapes and Sant'Antimo Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice using red grapes. They can both be made in the Riserva version. We should note the importance of this wine, which integrates itself perfectly into the production pyramid of Montalcino. Sant'Antimo Rosso, in fact, can be produced by way of passage from Brunello or Rosso di Montalcino, allowing the producer to make a wide range of qualitative decisions during harvest and in the winery. Sant'Antimo was recognised as a DOC wine with the decree of 18/1/1996. Sant'Antimo has very different characteristics depending on the various types. We can find wines that are not very demanding that can be used in various situations and occasions and very high-level wines made from either just one grape variety or a combination of different grapes.

SANT'ANTIMO combinations The range of combinations and pairings is, consequently, very wide, since it is possible to savour to the fullest the individual wine types with dishes from many different cuisines, both local and Italian, or with international or creative cuisines, from aperitifs to appetisers and all of the various courses. With the different types of Sant'Antimo, Brunello, Rosso and Moscadello, Montalcino producers can offer a very well-organised range of products able to satisfy the needs of all consumers, from the least expert to the most demanding.

Production regulations for SANT'ANTIMO - Production area: Municipality of Montalcino - Vine variety: all those recommended and authorised in the Province of Siena, with specific limitations for varietals and for Vin Santo - Maximum grape yield: 9000 kg per hectare for whites and Sant'Antimo Rosso, 8000 kg per hectare for the other reds - Yield of wine from grapes: 70%, 31.5% for Vin Santo - Colour, aroma, flavour, minimum alcohol grade, minimum total acidity, minimum net dry extracts: variable depending on the various types - Bottling: must be done in the Province of Siena.
 
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