Chianciano Terme is considered one of the leading spa centres in Europe, thanks to the beneficial effect of its miraculous waters, but also a great selection of hotels and other accommodation to suit all budgets.
Holidays in Chianciano Terme are an excellent opportunity if you’re looking to enjoy a few days of total relaxation, a break from everyday stress and routine, in direct contact with nature, restoring your physical and mental wellbeing. The town’s spa centres are complemented by sports facilities in Chianciano Terme and its surroundings, providing the perfect environment if you love to travel but don’t want to neglect physical activity and wellbeing. With guided tours and all kinds of sports (from tennis to five-a-side football, miniature golf to table tennis) you’ll be spoiled for choice! And that's not all: the fun continues with ice skating, horse riding and much more...
Chianciano Vecchia is the historic centre of the town. In stark contrast to the modern districts developed around the spa, this area is located at the highest point of a hill that still preserves part of its medieval walls. The entrance to the citadel is at the end of Via Dante, through the Porta Rivellini, the town gate built during the Renaissance. Immediately after the arch is the Chiesa dell’Immacolata, where the Chiesa di Borgo alle Taverne once stood, with its adjoining hospital and tower. Unfortunately, the building fell into disrepair and the new Chiesa di Santa Maria della Stella church was built in its place. A little further ahead stands the elegant Torre dell’Orologio (clock tower), with its medieval structure modernised in later years, as demonstrated, for example, by the marble covering. On the front is the coat of arms of the Medici, added when the Signoria of Florence took final control of the city.
From the clock tower, you can proceed to Piazza Matteotti, the main square, with a beautiful hexagonal fountain at its centre and a series of elegant period buildings around the sides, in addition to the Town Hall. From the left side of the square you can access the Manenti Castle (also known as the "Monastery"). Not far from Piazza Matteotti is Piazza dei Soldati, home to the Palazzo dell’Arcipretura (Archpriesthood Palace), which houses the Museum of Sacred Art, and Palazzo De Vegni, which is also used for temporary exhibitions. Continuing along Via della Croce you’ll come to the Chiesa della Compagnia (also known as the Oratorio della Confraternita della Santa Croce), which offers a spectacular view of the Volpaie Valley below. Passing through the Porta del Sole, within a few metres, you’ll see the Temple of Our Lady of the Rose, the most beautiful church in Chianciano, designed in 1569 by Baldassarre Lanci, architect of the Duke of Urbino. Inside is a fresco of the Madonna of the Rose, considered the patron saint of Orvieto, standing next to Saints John and Bartholomew, the patron saints of Chianciano.
Chianciano also has much to offer in the way of food and wine. The area’s traditional cuisine features simple, peasant dishes, almost all made with wheat or corn flour, bread, oil, milk and the excellent local wine. Chianciano’s speciality is pici, pasta made with flour and water and cut into thin threads with the palm of the hand. The same dough is used to make maccheroni and tagliatini. Stale bread is used to make panzanella, a salad topped with plenty of oil and seasoned with onion, basil and calamint. The main desserts include cantucci (almond biscuits dipped in the unmissable Vinsanto), lattaiolo (similar to crème caramel), castagnaccio (chestnut cake), ciaccia dei morti (seasonal cake made for all souls in November) and grogetti (typical carnival sweets). What are you waiting for? Take a look at our holiday packages to Chianciano Terme today and get ready for your next exciting adventure!
