Holiday apartment in Valiano – village history, Palio and regional trails

Valiano: village history between Roman times and a medieval townscape

Valiano is a medieval village. In Roman times, it was founded by the Gens Valia. Those interested in culture can explore Pieve di San Lorenzo Martire, Callone di Valiano, Castello di Valiano, Palio dei Carretti and Via Lauretana Toscana.

Church, Callone and architectural details in historic Valiano

The Pieve di San Lorenzo Martire is located in Valiano’s small historic centre. The Pieve di San Lorenzo was restored in 1804 and extended in the shape of a Latin cross. The Callone di Valiano, completed in 1723, is also part of the village’s history. Its ground-floor openings were fitted with lock gates for boats to pass through.

Castello di Valiano with ring wall and brick gate

Castello di Valiano dates back to the 12th century. Long sections of the ring wall are still preserved at Castello di Valiano. A nearly intact, vaulted brick gate has also been preserved there. Anyone wishing to explore Valiano’s local history in greater depth can learn about the castle’s period of construction and surviving structural elements.

Palio and Festa di San Lorenzo: local festival traditions

The Palio dei Carretti in Valiano is a competition between the contrade Castello, Chiesina, Dogana, Fonte, Padule and Ponte. The programme of the Festa di San Lorenzo included a tractor gathering followed by a blessing of the tractors. Those who incorporate local traditions into their travel plans can note the Palio and the festival programme as separate highlights of Valiano.

Museums and Palazzo Duca Della Corgna in the surrounding region

The surrounding area of Valiano is home to the Museo della Tortura di Montepulciano, a museum; the Museo della Civiltà Contadina di Fratticciola, a museum; the Palazzo Duca Della Corgna, a palace; and the Museo Civico, a museum. In addition to Valiano’s local history, those interested in culture can include museums and Palazzo Duca Della Corgna in their regional plans.

Via Lauretana Toscana: short section towards Umbria

Beyond Valiano, the Via Lauretana Toscana leads towards Umbria for a short stretch and there also follows the route of the Via Romea Germanica. Those planning a walking-focused itinerary can consider this short section towards Umbria alongside the Pieve, Callone and Castello.

Other regional points of interest: island, cave and mountains

The wider area around Valiano includes Isola Maggiore, the Grotte paleolitiche di Belverde, Monte Castel Giudeo and Monte Maestrino. Isola Maggiore is an island. The Grotte paleolitiche di Belverde is a cave. Monte Castel Giudeo is a mountain, and Monte Maestrino is also a mountain.

Other places besides Valiano

Other travel destinations: Badiaccia A Montemuro, Anqua, Siena, Taverne D'arbia, Colle Di Val D'elsa, Megognano, Vagliagli and Scalvaia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Siena.