Sarteano, the village of the Infernal Quadriga

Sarteano, Val di Chiana terrace possesses one of the most fascinating Etruscan tombs ever found

BORGHI E CITTÀ

Alessio and Sonia

3/17/20251 min read

Less than 15 minutes from the farmhouse is Sarteano, a charming town located in the province of Siena, Tuscany, known for its rich history and fascinating traditions. The village, enveloped by green hills and vineyards, offers an authentic and relaxing atmosphere.

Highlights include Sarteano Castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages, and the Church of San Lorenzo, with wonderful frescoes. Every year, the town celebrates several traditional festivals, such as the Giostra del Saracino, where contradaioli compete in contests of skill and courage. In addition, visitors can enjoy typical Tuscan dishes, such as pici and pecorino cheese, which reflect the richness of the area.

Sarteano is a perfect place for those seeking to immerse themselves in local culture and discover the beauty of Tuscany.

The Pianacce necropolis, located on the Sarteano hill, was discovered in 2003 during excavation campaigns by the Civic Museum.

Among the tombs unearthed, one features a well-preserved pictorial cycle dating to the second half of the 4th century BCE. The tomb consists of an entrance corridor leading to a decorated quadrangular chamber.

The main scene depicts a figure dressed in red driving a chariot drawn by two griffins and two lions, identified as Charun, the demon escorting souls to the Afterlife. A niche in the background symbolizes the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Another scene shows a male couple feasting in Hades, accompanied by a servant.

On the back wall, a depiction of a three-headed serpent symbolizes the afterlife, while a hippocampus on the top of the wall represents the passage between worlds.