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Get married in the Southern part of Tuscany:
The Sienese Crete, often described as a lunar
landscape, the Val d’Orcia (Orcia valley) with its petite, beautiful
villages and the southern part of Tuscany form some of most the popular
landscapes and scenes which are continually sketched, painted and
photographed in Italy: 
he never-ending, soft rolling hills
and valleys, the particular colours of dry, ash clay and golden earth
combined with wheat fields, the sense of empty spaces and solitary
houses or cypresses resting on hilltops provide some of Italy’s
most attractive and picturesque landscapes.
The unusual geographical features of this clay-rich, harsh and once
wild area so difficult to cultivate has now found its own special,
natural harmony which deserves special attention.
Combined with its enchantingly wide horizons and spectacular views,
the whole area remains a source of fascination all year round.
On the tracks of its centuries-old art,
culture and traditions, you may take your vows and get married in
one of the wonderful venues for civil and religious Italian weddings.
Montalcino
San Quirico d'OrciaPienza
Montepulciano
San Giovanni d'Asso
Castiglion d'Orcia Lucignano
Cortona
Poppi
Church
weddings in Southern Tuscany
Getting
married in Montalcino, province of Siena
Montalcino probably dates back to Etruscan times.
It is situated on a hill along the Franconia road (Via Francigena),
close to the Ombrone and Asso rivers.
The town takes its name from a variety
of oak tree that once covered the terrain.
The city centre is entirely surrounded by ancient city-walls where
some of the original 19 towers can still be admired, as well as some
of the city’s ancient fountains.
The impressive fortress dating back to the 15th century is still intact
and from its ramparts there are magnificent views across the Val d’Orcia
with its silvery olive orchards, vineyards, fields and villages.
Montalcino is situated in the middle of one of Italy's most important
grape-growing areas. The lower slopes of its hills are dominated by
highly productive vines, for which the town has won acclaim throughout
the world: its red Brunello di Montalcino and its younger Rosso di
Montalcino are among the most important and expensive Italian wines,
winning countless awards.
Montalcino also has a notable production of olive oil and honey, with
a week’s long International Honey Fair at the beginning of September
each year.
Once a year, on the last Sunday of October, Montalcino celebrates its Sagra del Tordo, a folkloric competition in archery held since 1958.
Downhill from the fortress and Duomo is the main
square, the Piazza del Popolo.
The Piazza’s main building is the town hall, built in the late
13th and early 14th centuries with its tall medieval tower.
It is beyond doubt the slimmest town hall in Tuscany!
The palazzo is adorned with the coats of arms of the Podestà
who once ruled the city .
Weddings are celebrated from Mondays to Fridays during the morning
(9 – 12 o’clock) and twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
in the afternoon.
Costs range around 800 Euro (updated in May 2010)
Example
of wedding venues::
Stunning
Castle close to Montalcino:
Surrounded by gentle hills
and overlooking the Val d’Orcia with its pleasant aroma of
the Montalcino vineyards and the suggestive echo of the Gregorian
chants of the monks of Sant’Antimo, the charming castle is
set in magical scenery, its unique position offering an outstanding,
unspoilt panorama.
Built on the ruins of an 11th century fortress and once the
villa of famous Sienese families, the castle today is an exclusive
relais with a splendid backdrop.
Bought from a private family in 1997, the castle was subsequently
turned into a luxury venue which nevertheless preserves its original
structure and the characteristics of an ancient Countryside House.
Today the castle represents a a remarkable setting for a special and prestigious, magical wedding.
The panoramic terrace overlooking the peaceful Val d' Orcia, the gardens and spacious courtyard combined with the possibility of the exclusive use of the property, offer a stately context for unforgettable moments.
The spacious internal courtyard, ample terrace with
breathtaking views over the Val d'Orcia and the magnificent pool
offer an ideal solution and setting for your wedding gala.
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Getting
married in San Quirico d'Orcia, province of Siena
San Quirico is a
little jewel in the Orcia valley. The old hamlet of Etruscan origins
is situated at 424 m.s.l. and divides the Asso valley from the Orcia
valley. In the center of town we find the wonderful “Horti Leonini”
– the famous Italian garden that was laid out around 1580 and
is often used for wedding pictures.
A large part of the ancient city walls
have been preserved, and some of the 14 small towers are now part
of other buildings. The eastern city gate, partly preserved in its
original state, and the Porta Cappuccini, the gateway previously known
as Porta del Sole, facing Pienza, are both impressive. Charlemagne
and the Lombards walked through these historical gates, as did many
pilgrims and ordinary travelers on their way to Rome, San Quirico
being a historical stopover on the ancient “Via Francigena”
.
The town hall, the Palazzo Preterio, is overshadowed by the famous
“La Collegiata” church, in the heart of the town.
Weddings take place in the elegant Sala Ariete, and are still celebrated
on a personal note, with soft, background music being played.
EA wonderful experience for those who love “unspoiled Tuscany”.
Weddings take place every morning, and on Thursday afternoons.
Costs Register Office: 250 Euro (May 2010 update).
The Castle close to Montalcino
is also ideal in combination with a civil or religious wedding
in San Quirico d'Orcia.
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Getting
married in Pienza, province of Siena
The little jewel of Renaissance architecture
is situated between Montepulciano and Montalcino.
Because of its remarkable urban structure it is often defined as the
“ideal city”, or as the “utopian city”: the
result of a complete re-design by the Humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini,
also known as Pope Pius II.
With the help of Renaissance architect Rossellino, Pope Pius II took
his birthplace, the village formerly known as “Corsignano”,
and transformed it into a model town according to the Renaissance
mindset.
The town represents the "civitas", a model of ideal living
and governing of a town.
Its location in the heart of the Val d'Orcia enables it to embody
the fundamental interest in the relationship between Man and Nature,
of primary concern in humanist architecture.
Today Pienza is part of the "Parco artistico, naturale e culturale
della Val d'Orcia", which is committed to the preservation of
the extraordinary artistic heritage of its five boroughs (Castiglion
d'Orcia, Montalcino, San Quirico d'Orcia, Radicofani and Pienza).
Since 1996 Pienza is listed as a site of UNESCO World Heritage.
Pienza is an ideal town for walking, with a
centre that is for pedestrians only.
Its cobbled streets and stone archways are fascinating, and you can
enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys from
all around the small historic centre.
The town is famous for its pecorino sheep cheese, among the best in
Italy.
A special cheese market is held on the first Sunday of September,
where many other local products like honey and
olive oil can also be tasted .
DerThe
14th century town hall is located on the Corso Rossellino, by the
main square in the town’s centre, the historical Piazza del
Duomo.
It is surrounded by the most important buildings in Pienza: the Cathedral
and the Palazzo Piccolomini, once the summer residence of the Pope.
The lower part of the town hall has a loggia divided by large columns.
The wedding hall is located on the second floor, furnished in a Gothic
style: wooden seats can be found all along the walls, seating up to
40 guests, and antique chandeliers and historical shields decorated
the room, its four large windows facing the duomo and its wonderful
square.
The very personal wedding ceremonies take place in the morning between
9am and 13pm. Costs range around 600,00 Euro (updated in March 2010)
Example of our wedding venues:
We have chosen a charming “terrace” overlooking the Tuscan
hills, ideal for your wedding party:
Close to Pienza and Trequanda, the terrace is set on a hill from which
you have a stunning view of Pienza, Monticchiello-Petroio and the
enchanting Monte Amiata.
The outstanding feature of this villa is its spectacular position
and the beauty of its original rural architecture: with 600 square
metres of vegetable garden, the hotel is able to grow its own organic,
seasonal vegetables and herbs which are used in the delicious, healthy
food served in its restaurant.
The restoration of the ancient farm was carefully
carried out by taking into consideration the original structure of
the farm and the most-up-to-date technologies respecting the environment.
All materials are ecological and the electrical system was screened
to avoid any possible electromagnetic pollution.
The
farm offers accommodation in double rooms or en suites.
All the building’s details have been studied to provide guests
with the ideal environment for a quiet stay and a comfortable atmosphere.
The spacious park is suitable for different
sized weddings.
The swimming pool is located near a lovely forest, and a Jacuzzi can
be found on the lawn, from which you can enjoy the wonderful view
recalling a landscape of the 14th century. Quaint and relaxing, the
place enables you to enjoy an emotive connection with nature …
A path adorned by cypresses evokes
a romantic feel …
an ideal venue with an outstanding backdrop to enjoy your special
day!
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Getting
married in Montepulciano, province of Siena The small town of Montepulciano is situated south of Siena, it is situated on the top of a mountain at a height of 600 m and is completely surrounded by the city’s medieval walls. The position and construction of the town contributes to it’s appealing picturesque image.
The
town is known as a real jewel of the Italian Renaissance. Great masters
and architects of that period, as for example Antonio da Sangallo called
”il Vecchio” (the old one), have enriched the town through
their works of art which today can still be seen in the beautiful palaces
of the historic city center.
Well worth seeing is the splendid church San Biagio, the masterpiece
of Sangallo “il vecchio” who is responsible for having erected
this masterpiece on the remains of a romantic “pieve” in
which he used yellow-gold travertine. San Biagio is about 2 km outside
the center.
Also worth mentioning are the “Piazza Grande”, the cathedral,
the Redi-winecellar and the magnificent palaces and churches along the
Corso that date back to the Renaissance.
Montepulciano is also known for its cultural events, like the music
festival in August which has been started off by a German composer who
brought the master classes of the Music Academy of Cologne to Montelpulciano
and whose final concerts will be given in the Palazzo Ricci, and also
for the "Bravio dei Botti" (race where wine barrels are pushed
through the streets).
The city is also known for its “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano”,
a noble wine which is made of Prugnolo-grapes (not to be confused with
the grape variety Montepulciano which is mainly found in the Abruzzo
and Le Marche).
Montepulciano is the birthplace of the humanist and poet Angelo Ambrogini
(1454 – 1494), who became known as Poliziano. The inhabitants
of the town nowadays are still called Poliziani.
The
town hall, the Palazzo Comunale, has been built with its round curved
glass, the tin bordered-defensive corridor and tower, resembles the
Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Its actual form has been designed according
to the plans of Michelozzo (1424); the inner court from the 15th century
was uncovered during later restoration works.
From the tower you can enjoy a stupendous view all the way to the highest
peak of Monte Amiata across to Lake Trasimene.
.
Weddings take place from Monday to Friday in the morning or also on
Friday and Wednesday in the afternoon. Costs: 1.000,,00 Euro (at March
2010)
Example
of our wedding venues:
This historical estate has an enchanting panorama with a gripping view
over the surrounding valleys.
As a B&B, it offers the advantages of a holiday home together with
the service of a hotel.
The estate is situated amidst the green hills of Montepulciano, at only
500 m from the city walls. 
The 9 rooms and 2 suites are decorated with stylish furniture and equipped
with all conveniences. The thick walls of the ancient buildings guarantee
a comfortable stay even during the hot summer months. On the ground
floor of the building there is a spacious living room and a breakfast
room.
Wedding parties can be held with a catering service for up to 120 people,
either outside or inside the spacious rooms of the estate.
Getting married in San Giovanni d'Asso, province
of Siena
The
municipality of San Giovanni d’Asso is situated on the banks of
the Asso river and forms a natural “bridge” between the
Crete Senesi and the Orcia valley.
The town is nestled by its impressive, medieval castle which is now
almost entirely restored.
The impressive, rectangular building is made of bricks and looks more
like a nobleman’s house than a real castle. It contains exceptional
frescos that date back between the 13th and 17th centuries.
Besides a restaurant and guest rooms, the castle holds the Museum of
the White Truffle, for which San Giovanni d’Asso is famous. This
is the location of the annual “Truffle Feast”, the “Sagra
del Tartufo Bianco”.
White truffles are considered a symbol - living proof, some would say
- of the harmonious relationship that these municipalities have with
nature.
In 1999 the castle
was reopened for the public after a long period of restoration, and
those who would like to get married in this town can now celebrate their
wedding inside the castle, the municipal offices and the wedding room
being situated there.
Weddings take place every morning from Monday to Friday, and on Tuesday
and Thursday afternoons.
Costs for the wedding: 250 Euro at the indicated times.
(Situation May 2010).
Example
of our wedding venues:
1.
This farm is located only 10 kilometres distant from San Giovanni d’Asso
and about a 40 minutes’ drive from the most important municipalities
of the Crete Area and from Siena.
The holiday centre, ideal for groups of 20 – 40 persons, was created
through the careful restoration of two ancient farmhouses.
The 5 rustic apartments are beautifully furnished with a touch of creativity
that makes them very welcoming.
Each has its own entrance and terrace, which permits the guests to enjoy
their private life.
At the same time the structure offers large spaces for group activities:
a scenic area is available in the courtyard, furnished with a barbecue
and a wood oven. Also the guests have free use of the amusements like
the snooker room, the ping pong table, the bowling rink and other facilities.
On the ground floor of the main farmhouse the former stables now offer
a welcoming common room to have breakfast or lunch together. This is
also an ideal place to organize parties.
A cypress lined path leads to the large swimming pool with Jacuzzi
and a great terrace, which is also an ideal setting for the wedding-dinner,
that will be arranged by our catering.
A wonderful view of the enchanting landscape of the Crete area can be
enjoyed all around. This historical farm has been described by a couple
of spouses like a “miniature of Tuscany” … just ideal
for an unforgettable wedding-week with your family and friends.
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2. At only 4 km from the famous Monte Oliveto Maggiore
abbey and not far from Pienza and San Giovanni d’Asso lies this
ancient palace from the 17th century. The castle is home to a small
relais that exceeds every expectation.
The carefully executed restoration was finished in 2005, offering the
charms of history as well as all the comforts of our modern age. The
five suites and three guest rooms are decorated with aristocratic Italian
design furniture.
The spacious and very well-kept parking lot fits harmoniously within
the green Tuscan hills. Here you’ll also find the swimming pool
with a wonderful panorama, which offers an indescribable view of the
valley as far as Montalcino.
The Relais also disposes of a small fitness room and a small inside
whirlpool, available at any time of the day.
The tiny, sanctified chapel from the year 1743 makes it possible to
celebrate the church wedding direct at the relais and sometimes the
mayor of Pienza himself will come over for a civil wedding .
In the event of a bigger party, the organization of the feast is entrusted
to a caterer with whom we collaborate regularly.
A paradise for anybody looking
for something special – a magical mix of the most refined Italian
elegance and typical rural landscape.
Please note: the villa which we propose is also an ideal location in
combination with Lucignano!
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Getting
married in Lucignano, province of Arezzo
Lucignano is situated on a hilltop overlooking
the Chiana valley.
It is one of the best preserved villages in Tuscany; its ancient city
walls have surrounded it up to the present day, as if to protect it
from the change.
Walking through the old village will give you the sense of being in
another world, which you thought existed no longer: small alleys, ancient
wells, churches, the arches of the city gates, stone houses and the
older residents sitting together making handicrafts all contribute the
village’s picturesque atmosphere.
The village’s position makes it a favorable base for excursions
into Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio.
The
walls of the wedding room, de Sala Consiliare in the ancient town hall,
are fully decorated with beautiful, frescoed walls.
The wedding room is located on the first floor of the former Palazzo
Pretorio, now the Palazzo Comunale. A museum and a former court room
are located on the ground floor.
Getting married here means entering the legend of the love tree, which
promises happiness to all couples. This love tree, a gothic, golden
masterpiece which took more than 120 years to complete, is situated
in the municipal museum. According to the tradition, many couples have
returned, to promise each other eternal love once again. Costs: 250,00
Euro – February 2010 update
(in the afternoons and on holidays the cost is of 350,00 Euro)
Example
of our wedding venues:
A beautiful villa, ideal for wedding parties of up to 100 person, is
located about 30 minutes from Lucignano and only 3 km from San Giovanni
d’Asso. 
The villa was built in the 19th century and was restored and renovated
with great care in 2002/2003, in accordance with its original, typically
Tuscan architecture.
Here the historical design of the building is harmoniously combined
with a linear, minimalist interior design. The unique combination of
landscape, architecture and luxury guarantees an unforgettable stay.
The house offers 4 holiday homes (26 beds) which satisfy the highest
standards in a fantastic panoramic setting
In this setting, you will only hear the birds’ and cicadas’
song.
From the infinity pool you can look out over the beautiful landscape
of the Val d’Asso.
All bedrooms dispose of their own bathroom, decorated according to the
highest standards, and the kitchens are equipped with every technical
comfort. There is a small library with books, CD’s and DVD’s
which can be borrowed for free.
Upon request it is possible to have your grocery shopping done, and
have breakfast and other meals served
This location is also ideal in combination with a wedding in San Giovanni
d’Asso!!
The organization of the wedding party is entrusted to a caterer
with whom we collaborate regularly, and who would also be pleased to
offer you a rustic theme night the day before the wedding or a brunch
the day after the wedding!
Getting
married in Cortona, province of Arezzo
Cortona is situated high up on the slope of a mountain that is covered with olive trees and vines, and is 650 m above sea level. Cortona has one of the most breathtaking views in all of Italy. The origins of the town are covered in the mist of time and legend.
This provincial capital is situated north of Lake Trasimene and south of Arezzo. Cortonawas founded by the Etruscans and was one of the twelve cities of the Etruscan League. Even today, the Etruscan graves outside of the city center are a well worth visiting.
Cortona has about 23.000 inhabitants, and is characterized by small streets and alleys. The town accommodates, besides many other objects of interest, the church of San Francesco was the first church of the Franciscans outside of Asissi. The most famous son of the city was the painter Luca Signorelli.
The cityscape consists of houses from the middle ages and the Renaissance; the city walls date back to the 4th century A.C..
The most famous folkloric city festival is the Giostra dell'Archidado, crossbow shooting, that celebrates the marriage between Francesco Casali (Lord of Cortona), and the noblewoman Antonia Salimbeni from Siena.
In the present Palazzo Comunale (town hall) is, on the side, in between Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Signorelli, the original part of the palace (the Sala Consiliare) has been preserved. Later the bell tower and the wide access stairs were added.
Civil weddings are held on weekdays in the Sala del Consiglio. Costs are 500.00 Euro (at January 2010).
Example of our wedding venues:
This
4* hotel, located at only 8 km from Cortona, is situated in a manor
house from the 17th century which is in the middle of a big park where
there is a panoramic swimming pool. The total 8 rooms and suites (max.
22 sleeps) have been furnished with a lot of love for detail and with
antique furniture. They offer all of the modern conveniences in combination with tradition and sophistication. Some rooms are equipped with a massage bathtub. The restaurant in the former wine cellar of this distinguished country house offers its guests Tuscan cuisine with traditional plates, traditional condiments and noble wines.
The restaurant itself can accommodate 50 people, and in the garden the tables can be set for up to 120 people and we will be happy to suggest you additional places to stay for your guests in the area nearby the mansion.
This oasis of peace a is ideal to celebrate a wedding in a quiet and private atmosphere, where there is attentive hospitality with a high level of comfort.
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Getting married in Poppi, Provinz Arezzo
Poppi
is situated in the Casentino valley, about 60 km south east of Florence
and 35 km northwest of Arezzo. The town of Poppi, once the main city of the valley, is located in the most northerly corner of the valley, close to the source of the river Arno.
The historic center of Poppi rises 437 meters above sea level offering a beautiful view of the valley.
Due to its architecture and numerous well conserved historical buildings and monuments Poppi has been recognized as
“one of the most beautiful villages in Italy”!
Follow the tracks of many poets
who came to Poppi, like Dante Alighieri, who wrote his 33° love
verses for Beatrice here in Poppi!
The castle of Poppi is visible from miles away.
It was built in the XIII century by the Conti Guidi, one of the most
important noble families of the period and it had an important role
in the history of Florence and Arezzo, which means n the battles between
the Guelphs and Ghibellines. 
Civil weddings are held on weekdays. Costs are 500,00 Euro (at March 2010).
Example of our wedding venues:
The little hotel emerges in one of the oldest buildings in Poppi and abuts on the external walls of the castle.
It is originating from a chapel dating back to the XI century. After the church and the adjacent priest's house were deconsecrated they were used for a variety of purposes and in 2002 a painstaking work of restoration began, ending in 2006 with the opening of the hotel.
The church has been fully restored and is now used as an art gallery for contemporary sculptures and paintings and as a concert hall.
The hotel now offers 10 guestrooms and is run by a German
family.
On the ground floor the guests have use of a large breakfast room, a
comfortable sitting room with fireplace and a small bar open all day.
In the former cellar a relaxing and a room for physiotherapeutic massages
are at the disposal of the guests.
The large garden belonging to the priest's house is a pleasant complement to the hotel.
The deconsecrated church is an enchanting venue for groups up to 30
people, smaller wedding-parties may be arranged also on the terrace
of the hotel.
Besides all the beautiful churches in the little villages where a religious wedding may be celebrated, we want to present some of the famous Abbeys and Churches in the Southern part of Tuscany and The Sienese Crete that are always worth to be visited.
One of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy is the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, close to Montalcino. It stands in solitary splendour and is famous also as a reference point for the Gregorian chants.
Beautiful is also the Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta in San Quirico with its magnificent Romanesque-Gothic doorways, and the Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey (Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore), built in the 15th century. Monks live on the premises and the church is used for religious purposes. The Great Cloister, beside the church, has a famous fresco series about the life of St. Benedict by the painter Sodoma.
Considerable are certainly also the Parish Church San Giovanni
Battista in San Giovanni d’Asso and the Church
of San Francesco in Lucignano as well as the Church of San
Biaggio in Montepulciano which we present in a more detailed way.
San Biagio in Montepulciano 
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio is on the road to Chianciano outside the city. It is a typical 16th century Tuscan edifice, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger on a pre-existing Pieve, between 1518 and 1545. It has a circular plan with a large dome over a terrace and a squared tambour. The exterior, with two bell towers, is built in white travertine.
We were happy to get the permission for a wonderful catholic
dream-wedding realized in San Biaggio in May 2008. It was a great event!
Enjoy some impressions of this wedding:
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…entrust the fulfilment of your dreams to our professional service
and enjoy your “Si!“ !
We will be happy to send you our non-binding estimate, an individual offer based of the budget you have allocated for your wedding in Tuscany.
Please send
us your telephone number, we will be glad to contact you!
info@toscana-mania.com
