Lucignano

Lucignano is a well-preserved medieval hill town in southern Tuscany. It is characterized by an oval or elliptical shape. It has a population of around 3,500 and stands at 400 m above sea level in the middle of an agricultural area producing olives, grapes, cereals and sunflowers.

Panorama of Lucignano

The town is a few kilometers to the northwest of the junction between the A1 Autostrada that connects Rome and Florence and the highway that connects Siena with Perugia. Travelling from Florence leave the Autostrada at Monte S. Savino. Travelling from Rome, leave at Valdichiana following the direction to Siena. After a few kilometers take a right. Any one of these country lanes will eventually get you to Lucignano.

Lucignano: Piazza San Francesco

The town is small and can be easily seen on foot.

• Museo Communale (Town museum). Thursdays to Sundays, 10:00 to 17:00 or 18:00 at weekends. Only a few pieces here but all of some interest. Particularly of note is a reliquary known as "L’albero della vita" (Tree of Life), which is a gilded and bejeweled tree with a crucified figure on top. 

Explore the town and the surrounding countryside and villages.

• Trattoria Da Toto. Piazza del Tribunal, 6. Inexpensive restaurant serving traditional recipes from the region. The owner has published several cookbooks and gives cooking demonstrations on Italian TV. No menu; just a five or six-course meal depending on what they decide to cook on the day. Don't forget to finish with a glass or two of one of the many different flavoured grappas (Italian spirit made from wine leavings). Closed Tuesdays. 

• Albergo Osteria Da Toto. In the centre of the town, this hotel provides fairly basic 2- to 3-star accommodation for around €60 for a single and €80 for a double. The main reason for staying here is the restaurant (see Eat) and most visitors take the half-board option at €57 per person. Piazza del Tribunal, 6 Lucignano. ☏ +39 0575 836763; Fax +39 0575 836988.

With access to a car, Lucignano is a good base for exploring southern Tuscany and northern Umbria. Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Chianti, Cortona and Perugia are all within an hour or so, together with a host of smaller, but equally fascinating, places.