Sarteano, Italian comune
Sarteano is a small commune in the province of Siena in Tuscany, situated on a hill at about 400 meters elevation. A fifteenth-century castle dominates the center, its thick walls and towers still standing guard, while around it are scattered small museums and historic buildings such as the Collegiata and various palazzo.
Sarteano was settled during Etruscan times and later used by the Romans, who valued its thermal springs. In the Middle Ages, a castle developed for defense, and several painted tombs like the Quadriga Infernale reveal the religious beliefs of those eras.
The name Sarteano reflects its Etruscan roots, marking an ancient presence in this hilly landscape. Today, the narrow streets and medieval buildings form the backdrop to local life, where residents gather at cafes and squares to maintain their everyday traditions.
Sarteano is easily reached by car from Chiusi and Chianciano Terme, with good roads connecting these nearby towns. The small town is simple to explore on foot, and several accommodations in converted farmhouses offer traditional local food and a quiet atmosphere.
The Quadriga Infernale, an Etruscan tomb with painted scenes of a demon guiding a chariot, reveals ancient ideas about the afterlife. Underground roads known as Cupe ways, laid out by the Etruscans, still wind through the hills around the town.
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