Tenuta di Corsano is a peaceful, stress-free country estate which produces the grapes for famed wines as well as olive oil, fruit and vegetables. For many guests, the opportunity to relax by the pool, sit with a book under the shade of a fruit tree, or stroll through the grounds, is all it takes to make a perfect vacation. The pretty hamlet of Ville di Corsano (population 200) has not been tainted by heavy industry. It is a friendly little place with a small supermarket, a post office, a renowned restaurant and a winery. Other attractions include a castle, a mediæval tower and a renowned eleventh century Church, the Pieve di Corsano.
It is an ideal starting point for day trips in the area, Siena being easily reachable by bus. A feudal manor house dating back to 1199, the Castle of Belcaro, is half an hour away, the same distance as Torri, a tiny village with a magnificent cloister in a perfect state of repair. Another Abbey not to be missed, less than half an hour away, is San Galgano, ? the oldest example of pure Gothic architecture in Italy of which only the walls remain standing open to the sky.
In the village itself you will find the Romanic church 'La Pieve' (dating back to the 11th century) ?, the local supermarket, a post office and three restaurants, Castello di Grotti, Pulcianese, Il Ristoro and a winery. Other local attractions include the town of Monteroni D'Arbia (10 km) with several bars and restaurants, a large supermarket, banks and a post office.
The high point of the area has got to be the walled city of Siena,? protected by its imposing red walls from the destruction of modern developers. A vitally important influence on the Renaissance, in vigorous competition with Florence, it has a fantastic concentration of palaces and art galleries, churches and museums, restaurants and boutiques. There is an active and exciting social calendar of exhibitions, concerts and markets, dominated by the world-famous Palio which takes place twice a year in the beautiful frame of Piazza del Campo on 2nd July and 16th August.
The owner of the Villa, the Migone family, also belong to a ‘contrada’: the Civetta (Owl) ?and they will be happy to give you a guided tour and explain the traditions.
The nearby town of Murlo ? is also well worth a visit for its Etruscan ruins and small museum. Murlo ? itself affords breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside especially at sunset.
A spectacular drive through Asciano, will lead you into the heart of the lunar landscape best known as the clay hills or ‘crete senesi’ and on to the famous Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, founded in 1313 by three prestigious noble families of Siena: the Piccolomini, Tolomei and the Patrizi. It is now home of Benedictine Monks. who observe a rigorous vow of silence, inviting those who visit to pray and reflect
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