Two charming villages, close to each other and perfect for those who wish to experience the magic of Mount Amiata. Between breathtaking landscapes, timeless traditions, and peaceful corners, Castel del Piano and Seggiano are the perfect destinations for a day filled with art, culture, nature, and authentic Tuscan charm.
Morning in Castel del Piano: ancient lanes, frescoes, and stories to uncover
Start your day in Castel del Piano, a village nestled on the western slopes of the Amiata.
Leave your car near Piazza Garibaldi, at the entrance to the historic center, and continue on foot: it’s the best way to appreciate the intimate atmosphere of this mountain town, with its narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and views steeped in history.
The cobbled streets wind around Piazza Madonna, the vibrant heart of the village, where the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie stands out with its simple stone façade and elegant Baroque wooden altar. Just a short distance away, a panoramic viewpoint offers a unique glimpse of the village and the surrounding hills.
Tradition lives here in color too: the four districts of the Palio, run every year on 8 September, fly their flags from balconies and doorways. It’s not just a folkloric event, but a moment that unites generations in a celebration of shared identity.
Afternoon in Seggiano: contemporary art and centuries-old olive trees
After lunch, drive to Seggiano, about 10 minutes from Castel del Piano.
Park just outside the center and stroll through the quiet, orderly lanes of one of the most compact villages in the area.
The historic center is peaceful, yet a glance upward shows that Seggiano is anything but frozen in time: this is where you’ll find the Daniel Spoerri Garden, an open-air art park immersed in nature, with dozens of installations perfectly integrated into the landscape. It’s a surreal and stimulating place that changes with every season.
The village is renowned for cultivating the Seggianese olive, which thrives thanks to a unique microclimate and yields an oil with an unmistakable flavor—absolutely worth tasting.
Also worth seeing is the Diffused Oil Museum, housed inside the restored ancient mill, where the history and unique quality of the Olivastra Seggianese—a symbol of these hills—are showcased.
If you happen to be there at sunset, climb up to the fortress or to the viewpoints along the walls to admire the vista over the Val d’Orcia.
From here, short routes lead to hermitages and old mills—ideal for walks or e-bike excursions.
Useful tips
- The Daniel Spoerri Garden is extensive: to see it all, allow at least 2 hours.
- Bring water and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk in the hilly areas around the village.
- In summer, check the days and opening times of museums and art gardens, as they may vary.
Castel del Piano and Seggiano are two different faces of the same land: one livelier and steeped in history, the other quiet and contemplative. Visiting both in a single day is possible, but you may find yourself wanting to return—more slowly—to rediscover them again.
