Saints Giusto and Donato Patronal Feast

The patronal feast of Monteroni d'Arbia

In the heart of the Crete Senesi, about thirteen kilometers southeast of Siena, the town of Monteroni d'Arbia pays homage every year to its two patron saints, Giusto and Donato, with a festival that represents the most heartfelt community moment of the entire local calendar. Organized by the Parish of Saints Giusto and Donato, the festival spans an entire weekend and naturally unites religious, cultural, and social dimensions, involving the entire Val d'Arbia community.

A tradition rooted in local history

The bond between Monteroni and its patrons dates back to the Middle Ages. The village grew in the 14th century around a large mill built along the Via Francigena and two churches dedicated to Saint Giusto and Saint Donato. The ancient church of Saint Donato dates back to 1244 and, although transformed over the centuries, still houses works from the 15th and 17th centuries. The territory's growth was linked to the expansion of the Santa Maria della Scala Hospital in Siena, which acquired numerous lands in the area from the early 13th century. Today, celebrations take place mainly in the modern Church of Saints Giusto and Donato, the community's spiritual landmark.

Three days of faith and culture

The festival program alternates moments of prayer, solemn liturgical celebrations, and cultural events open to all. Friday evening opens the festivities with a prayer vigil in the main church, animated by the community's youth. Saturday is dedicated to reflection and the Solemn Mass, the highlight of the festival, presided over by the Archbishop or the Cardinal of Siena, followed by a moment of sharing on parish life.

• Prayer vigil on Friday evening, featuring youth group activities
• Solemn Mass presided over by the Cardinal, the liturgical heart of the feast
• Cultural meetings dedicated to Sienese art and history, with local speakers and artists
• Community lunch, with tiered pricing by age, a convivial moment that brings the whole town together

Sienese art takes center stage

Among the elements characterizing recent editions are the cultural events dedicated to the great Sienese artistic heritage: meetings on Duccio di Buoninsegna and the art of the Maestà, as well as lectures and dialogues with artists and scholars who highlight the area's cultural identity. The festival thus becomes not only a religious celebration but also an opportunity to rediscover the artistic and historical roots of this Tuscan land.

A community celebration

More than any other event, the Saints Giusto and Donato Patronal Feast is the moment when Monteroni d'Arbia comes together. Within the church aisles, parish halls, and the spaces of the Val d'Arbia Public Assistance, a bond made of shared faith, hospitality, and tradition is renewed every year in an authentic corner of the province of Siena.