Monte Cetona – Tuscany: among prehistoric caves, silent villages and woods overlooking the Val d'Orcia.
Mount Cetona, with its 1,148 meters, dominates the landscape between the Val di Chiana and the Val d'Orcia, on the border between Tuscany and Umbria. This gently shaped mountain is a place of silence, nature and millenary history, guardian of prehistoric caves, oak and chestnut woods, medieval villages and panoramas that extend to Monte Amiata and Trasimeno. 🥾 Nature and paths between history and landscape:
Mount Cetona is perfect for those who love to walk surrounded by nature. The paths wind through beech forests, clearings, springs and caves, some of which lead to archaeological sites and extraordinary viewpoints. It is a quiet mountain, never crowded, ideal for hiking in all seasons.
👉 Tip: Walk the Monte Cetona ring starting from Fonte Vetriana: a varied and scenic itinerary between the forest and the ridge. ⛰️ Caves and prehistoric archaeology:
Mount Cetona is also an important archaeological site. Its caves were inhabited as early as the Palaeolithic. The Archaeological and Naturalistic Park of Belverde and the Civic Museum for Prehistory of Monte Cetona offer a fascinating journey through nature, science and ancient history.
👉 Tip: Visit the caves of San Francesco and the archaeological park with a guide: also perfect for families with curious children. 🏘️ Authentic villages and poetic views:
At the foot of the mountain there are villages full of charm such as Cetona, Sarteano and Camporsevoli. Paved streets, stone squares, Renaissance palaces and terraces overlooking the Tuscan countryside: ideal places to slow down and enjoy the simple beauty of the hinterland.
👉 Tip: In Cetona, stop in the central square for an aperitif overlooking the mountain and the Romanesque bell tower. 🍷 Tuscan flavors between woods and hills:
The area is rich in local products: extra virgin olive oil, artisanal cured meats, pecorino cheese and wines from the nearby Val d'Orcia DOC. The traditional dishes – pici, rustic soups, stewed wild boar – tell of a straightforward, seasonal cuisine scented with wild herbs.
👉 Tip: Try a dinner at a farmhouse between Cetona and Sarteano: homemade dishes and local products, in a welcoming atmosphere. 🛏️ Where to stay:
In the surroundings of Monte Cetona there are farmhouses among the olive trees, B&Bs in historic villages, country residences with swimming pools and period residences. Many facilities offer activities such as horseback riding, tastings or Tuscan cooking classes.
👉 Tip: Stay in Cetona to explore the mountains and villages calmly, between nature, culture and gastronomy.
On Monte Cetona every step tells an ancient story, among silent woods, prehistoric caves and landscapes that smell of Tuscany.