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The fertile Val di Chiana, once crossed by the Clanis River from which it takes its name, it is located on the border with Umbria and Lazio, the land of choice for the Etruscans and for the people of ancient Tuscia. Beautiful, rich in thermal waters, lakes of fresh water and strategic places to build villages, castles, hermitages and fortresses.

A brief history of the Val di Chiana

This very green valley owes its name to the ancient river of Chiani (Clanis), which over the millennia, due to the continuous upheavals of the territory, reversed its original course, flowing into theArno instead of in the Tiber.

Already inhabited in prehistoric times, the Val di Chiana was important Etruscan center, before moving on to the Romans who made the grave mistake of diverting the flow of the Paglia River, turning it into an immense swamp. Fortunately, the Doctors to reclaim the area, which was also the scene of fierce battles with the Papal State, determining the division of the territory between the Roman Val di Chiana (dependent on Umbria) and the Tuscan Val di Chiana.

What to see in Val di Chiana

Today the Val di Chiana is a treasure chest of precious treasures architectural, artistic, natural. Arezzo, the provincial capital, despite being located on a hill at the crossroads between this and three other valleys, represents the ideal cultural centre, absolutely to be enjoyed in all its beauty, but you cannot miss a visit to the nearby, suggestive, Cortona, as it is a must see Cetona, Sarteano, or the charming Montepulciano, land of that Noble Wine which exports its name throughout the world.

And then there are the spa villages, stormed by the whole of Europe, but not only: Chianciano Terme, San Casciano dei Bagnthe, Rapolano Terme. Here the hot ones sulphurous waters They represent a true refreshment for body, mind and soul, while massages and beauty treatments restore strength and radiance to both the exterior and interior.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianana Cow

No less than the Nobile di Montepulciano Wine and the spas, what makes the Val di Chiana famous is the Chianina cow one of the oldest and most important cattle breeds in Italy, with a history spanning over two thousand years.

An animal of decidedly large size, if not even giant, the adult male can weigh up to 1,800 kg, not for nothing does it even boast the world weight record.

The white coat, the short horns pointing outwards, and the black colouring of the tongue and muzzle, make it unmistakable. the meat is quite lean, the best is that of the heifer, the female. It has been guaranteed for years by PGI of the Central Apennines White Veal, a certification that applies to only three varieties from Central Italy: Chianina, Marchigiana and Romagnola.

Now all you have to do is enter the heart of the Val di Chiana, in his villages, in his spa, in his oil EVO, in his wine, in its magnificent Etruscan-Roman remains, as well as in the medieval and Renaissance ones. How?

But through our articles, noCome on, take heart, the route is beautiful, we assure you.