Visit to Pernina, the Church of San Giovanni Battista and Villa Cetinale

This unique excursion in Pernina will take you on a real leap through the centuries, bringing you from the Middle Ages to the 17th-century.
 
The tour begins in the small plateau dominated by the Romanesque Church of Pernina (San Giovanni Battista), where you can visit the characteristic and imposing bell tower placed in front of the facade, as well as admire the impressive Romanesque style that characterizes the building and its interior.
 
Then, walking along the abandoned cultivations now filled with hawthorn and wild roses, you can enter in a forest of oaks, where suddenly you will run into a marvelous baroque building, called the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), entrance of the great Tebaide Park. The park is connected to the Cetinale Villa and the Hermitage, where the Cardinal Flavio Chigi would have gone to meditate in solitude. The complex, designed by Carlo Fontana in 1680, is amazingly well preserved.
 
From here, we will continue downhill, along a path surrounded by small architectural wonders, such as sculptures, kiosks and portals. Finally, we will go back to the starting point through the dense woods of Montagnola Senese.
 

More things to do in Tuscany!

Enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, book our Excursion to Montemaggio. Otherwise, if you want to combine the architectural beauty with breathtaking views of Tuscany, do not miss our Tour to Rosia or our hike Tour to the Hermitage of Montespecchio.