Local Events

Il Palio - 8th September

"il Palio" is a horse race, similar to that held in Siena, between the four Contrade (districts) of Castel del Piano. It is run around the main square, Piazza Garibaldi, on the 8th September each year and is preceded by a medieval parade and is followed in the evening by fireworks. Throughout the preceding week there are a number of events involved with the race including the blessing of the horses and a number of trials.

Incontri di Terra di Siena

Incontri in Terra di Siena is a not-for-profit cultural association, founded in 1989 in memory of Antonio and Iris Origo. The Incontri chamber music festival is now recognized as one of the best in Tuscany.  It is generally held in the last week of July at Villa La Foce and in a medieval castle nearby. La Foce is approximately 45 minutes drive from Podernuovo.

Musica Reale 

Chamber music concerts performed by musicians from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam. These concerts are held in the Teatro degli Astrusi in Montalcino in mid July.

Monte Amiata Piano Festival

Classical concerts with performers from throughout Europe held during August and September each year. They are held near Poggio del Sasso, approximately 40 minutes drive from Podernuovo with some being held in the cellar of the winery Colle Massari

Cantine Aperte

The historical centre of Castel del Piano is full of splendid Renaissance buildings and, best of all, below most of them are fabulous wine cantinas carved out of the soft rock.

They can be visited every December. You can purchase an engraved wine glass at the gates of the old town and visit the wine cellars, and enjoy local products such as salami, cheese and ‘castagnaccio’. The event includes many related activities such as olive oil and wine tasting sessions, book launches and traditional singing and music.