Cetona, a treasure immersed in the Val di Chiana

Cetona, a village in the heart of the Val di Chiana, probably takes its name from an early Christian parish church, cited as baptisterium Sancti Johannis de Queneto or de Queteno, perhaps referring to the nearby Chieteno stream.

Already between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, the area was inhabited by Etruscan villages on the hills of Chiusi and Sarteano, with settlements documented near Camposervoli. The first mention of the castle of Cetona dates back to 1207. In 1260 the village passed to the Republic of Orvieto after a long dispute with Siena, while in 1418 it was conquered by Braccio da Montone and sold to Siena.

From 1556 it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, following the political fate of the region. Between 1558 and 1569 Cosimo I granted Cetona as a fief to the Vitelli family, beginning a period of prosperity. Later returned to the Grand Duchy, the village followed its history until the Risorgimento and the Unification of Italy.

What to see during a visit to Cetona

Cetona offers a Renaissance landscape reflected in its medieval walls, today preserved above all in the 16th-century Rivellino tower.

Garibaldi Square, built by Gian Luigi Vitelli, Marquis of the Medici, is a surprisingly large oval, surrounded by 17th–18th century buildings, including the ancient Vitelli Palace, the former Church of the Santissima Annunziata, and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo.

Climbing from the Rivellino, you encounter historic palaces such as Sgarroni, Minutelli, and the former Palace of Justice, today the Carabinieri barracks. The small square of the Collegiate Church of the Holy Trinity preserves late 15th-century frescoes, including an Assumption of the Virgin from Pinturicchio’s school.

The Hermitage of Santa Maria a Belverde is an excellent stop for art lovers, with its 14th-century frescoes of the Orvieto school. Higher up stands the Rocca, today privately owned, one of the oldest sites of the village.

Events that enliven the village

Cetona offers events throughout the year that combine tradition, art, and gastronomy. In April, the Spring Fair takes place with typical products, plants, and gardening, while in May Cetona in Fiore returns, a flower and plant market exhibition.

Summer is animated by Cetona Estate, with concerts, shows, cinema, and exhibitions, and in July CetonaVerde Poesia, a poetry competition in the square. Between June and July, the Sagra del Bico is held, a local food event, and in August the Corsa delle Brocche, a costumed event.

Autumn brings the Autumn Fair and Cetona tra Arte e Gastronomia, while in December the Olive Oil Festival is celebrated with tastings and conferences in the historic center.

Exploring the surroundings of Cetona

Cetona offers numerous opportunities for nature and history lovers, with walks, excursions, and mountain bike routes on Mount Cetona.

Easy itineraries lead to the surroundings of the village, with accommodation and dining options, allowing visitors to discover unique historical and natural testimonies.

Worth visiting are the caves of the Belverde Park—23 identified so far—once home to cave bears and sites of prehistoric cults, documented in the Civic Museum. On Mount Cetona, 1,148 meters high, lies the small Franciscan hermitage of Belverde, immersed in nature and ideal for moments of contemplation and tranquility.

All that’s left is to pack your bags and enjoy the beauty of Cetona!

photo credits ItalyDrones