Crete Senesi – Tuscany: lunar hills, solitary churches and roads that touch infinity. The Crete Senesi extend south-east of Siena, between Asciano, Buonconvento, Rapolano Terme and the slopes of the hills of Siena. The landscape, shaped by millennia of erosion, is made up of gentle waves of clay, gullies and biancane that reflect the light in a unique way. It is an essential, contemplative and timeless Tuscany. 🏞️ A landscape that looks like a painting: Walking or driving through the Crete is like crossing a natural work of art: winding streets, isolated farmhouses, rows of cypresses and colors that change at any time of the day. In the summer months, the fields are tinged with gold, while in autumn and spring, the damp clay sculpts soft and hypnotic shapes. 👉 Tip: Drive along the road between Asciano and Chiusure at sunset: one of the most evocative stretches in all of Tuscany. ⛪ Parish churches, abbeys and silences: The Crete Senesi preserve places of meditation and spirituality, such as the famous Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, set in a cypress forest and animated by Renaissance frescoes. Romanesque churches, small hermitages and country chapels dot the area, often in panoramic positions. 👉 Tip: Visit Monte Oliveto in the early hours of the morning: the grazing light enhances the beauty and silence of the place. 🚶 Excursions between gullies and villages: Lovers of trekking and photography will find perfect routes in the Crete: panoramic paths between the gullies, walks through the cultivated fields and circular itineraries around the villages. The hills offer sweeping views, open skies, and that feeling of space that rejuvenates the spirit. 👉 Tip: Start from Chiusure for a circular trek to Monte Oliveto, among nature, culture and breathtaking views. 🍷 Simple and deep flavors: The cuisine of the Crete Senesi is rustic and true: pici with duck sauce, bread soups, aged pecorino cheese, extra virgin olive oil and artisanal cured meats. There is no shortage of wines: local reds and the nearby Chianti Colli Senesi go perfectly with peasant cuisine. 👉 Tip: Enjoy a Tuscan snack on a farm between Asciano and Trequanda: genuine products and family hospitality. 🛏️ Where to stay: Hospitality here is made up of silence, starry skies and postcard landscapes: panoramic farmhouses, restored farmhouses, B&Bs in villages and rural residences surrounded by greenery. Many facilities offer zero-km dinners, tastings, guided excursions or cooking classes. 👉 Tip: Stay in an isolated farmhouse between Asciano and Buonconvento: wake up with a view and silence guaranteed. The Crete Senesi are the most essential face of Tuscany: earth, light and silence come together in a landscape that invites contemplation and authenticity.