Sovicille of Wonders
Extraordinary openings of castles, parish churches, villas, and gardens in the Val di Merse
About Sovicille of Wonders
A weekend among the wonders of the Val di Merse
Sovicille of Wonders is the spring event that, for two days, transforms the Municipality of Sovicille, in the Province of Siena, into an open-air museum. Promoted by the Pro Loco of Sovicille in collaboration with the Municipality, the event was created to introduce tourists and locals to the many marvels of a territory stretching across the heart of the Val di Merse, where art, culture, and nature unite with fine food in a harmonious blend.
Extraordinary openings
The heart of the festival lies in its extraordinary openings: for the occasion, visitors can explore over thirty sites usually closed to the public, including castles, parish churches, villas, and private gardens. Featured sites include:
- Castello di Celsa, with its famous park and Italian-style garden
- Villa Chigi Farnese alle Volte Alte, designed in the early 16th century by architect Baldassarre Peruzzi
- The castles of Poggiarello and Montarrenti
- The Romanesque parish church of San Giovanni Battista al Ponte allo Spino, a jewel of Sienese Romanesque architecture
- The Pieve di Pernina and numerous religious complexes of great artistic value
- The Etruscan Necropolis of Malignano
- Villa Lechner and other historic residences
More than just tours
Beyond the site openings, the program offers a rich calendar of initiatives: art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, book presentations, winery tastings, nature observations, and experiential activities. The event thus highlights not only the architectural heritage but also the popular traditions and gastronomy of this corner of Tuscany.
A territory to discover
Walking through Sovicille during these days means crossing centuries of history: from Etruscan vestiges to medieval parish churches, from Renaissance villas to rural villages nestled in the woods and hills of the Val di Merse. Free admission and the involvement of owners, associations, and volunteers make this event an authentic experience, far from mass tourism circuits.
Sovicille of Wonders — edition 2026
The 2026 spring edition confirmed the successful formula of the event: extraordinary openings of over thirty usually inaccessible sites, spread across the territory of Sovicille, in the heart of the Val di Merse. Among this year's novelties were the opening of the Church of Carpineto and the 19th-century chapel of Malignano. A weekend dedicated to those who love discovering art, history, and nature far from the major tourist flows.
Programme Sovicille of Wonders 2026
Saturday, April 25
- Extraordinary openings of castles, parish churches, villas, and gardens: Castello di Celsa, Villa Chigi Farnese alle Volte Alte, Villa Lechner, Castello di Poggiarello, Castello di Montarrenti, Pieve di Ponte allo Spino, and numerous religious complexes. 2026 novelties: Church of Carpineto and the 19th-century chapel of Malignano.
- Nature observation of the Celsa cliff and solar observation at the Castello di Montarrenti.
- 5:00 PM — "Music in the Square", concert by the Rosia Jazz Band in the square of Torri.
Sunday, April 26
- Continuation of extraordinary openings and visits to local sites.
- Winery tastings, exhibitions, and cultural meetings.
- 4:00 PM — Lecture by architect Mario Tassoni on Baldassarre Peruzzi, designer of Villa Chigi Farnese, at the villa in Volte Alte.
- 4:30 PM — Presentation of the book "La mia Kara" by Sarita Massai, on the lawn in front of the Romanesque parish church of San Giovanni Battista al Ponte allo Spino, with the Anpas Sienese area search and comfort dog unit.
- 6:00 PM — Closing concert by the Pro Loco of Sovicille Choir, directed by Maestro Marta Marini, inside the Pieve di Ponte allo Spino.
Highlights Sovicille of Wonders 2026
Prices Sovicille of Wonders 2026
Practical information — Sovicille of Wonders
Getting there
Sovicille is about 15 km from Siena. By car, it can be reached via the SS73 (Siena-Grosseto) taking the Sovicille exit. The nearest train station is in Siena, which is connected by Tiemme suburban buses.
Admission and reservations
Admission is free. Reservations are required only for specific activities. The full program, including the list of sites, times, and descriptions, can be consulted at www.prolocosovicille.it and on the Facebook pages of the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Sovicille.
Tips
Since the sites are spread across a vast area, it is advisable to travel by car and use the map with itineraries and QR codes provided by the organizers. Wear comfortable shoes for visiting castles, parish churches, and gardens.
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Where does it take place — Sovicille of Wonders
Comune di Sovicille e frazioni della Val di Merse
Piazza Marconi 1, 53018 Sovicille