Toiano combines a setting among green hills with a distinctive architectural history. The Palazzaccio di Toiano, Castello Poggiarello and Villa Chigi represent different architectural styles and periods; an almost entirely traffic-free circular route adds a cycling option to the cultural focus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Toiano, these interests can help you shape the character of your trip.
Palazzaccio: tower, courtyard and portico
The Palazzaccio di Toiano has been documented since the 15th century, although some of its structural elements are considerably older. The complex includes a very tall stone tower with a sloping base, lower buildings and sections of wall enclosing a courtyard. The site therefore cannot be reduced to the tower alone: the courtyard and lower buildings also shape its appearance.
The complex also includes a large square portico. A sturdy brick pier supports it in the centre; it opens onto four brick cross vaults. The contrast between the very tall tower and the square portico illustrates two different architectural scales within the complex.
Castello Poggiarello: from fortress to aristocratic residence
Castello Poggiarello was later converted from a fortress into an aristocratic residence. The fortress had been built to defend the surrounding land and store the harvest. Its described architectural features include a crenellated tower with a sloping base, as well as a lower, also crenellated building with several surviving loopholes. The history of the Castello thus brings together its defensive form and its later use as an aristocratic residence.
The Castello stands on the road connecting Caldana with San Giusto a Balli. Its garden contains a chapel dedicated to Saint Augustine, built in 1558. The chapel adds a distinct religious and architectural dimension to the Castello’s defensive features.
Villa Chigi and Villa di Toiano
Villa Chigi in Toiano was built in the 17th century; inside, it preserves frescoes dating from 1707. The construction date and the date of the frescoes represent two different periods in the villa’s history. Villa di Toiano is a separate property: it lies on the border between the municipality of Siena and the municipality of Sovicille, and belongs to Sovicille.
Cycling route and tasting
The route “In bicicletta tra pievi, ville e castelli” is a circular route through the area between Caldana and Toiano that is almost entirely free of traffic. It passes through San Giusto a Balli, Poggiarello and Toiano. The qualification “almost entirely” is important for planning: the route is not described as being free of traffic throughout. Before setting out, check the current road conditions.
A tasting may also be worth including in your travel plans. As of 29 August 2026, Fattoria Poggiarello offered the option to book tastings at its estate in Poggiarello di Toiano. If you plan to include this activity, check whether bookings are available for your preferred date.
Green hills and rural character
The village of Toiano lies among green hills in a landscape that seems unchanged over time. Scattered, well-restored farmhouses also form part of the local scene. The rural character thus extends beyond the individual historic buildings: Toiano is shaped by its distinctive architecture, the farmhouses scattered around the area and the surrounding hills.
Discover more destinations: Isola D'arbia, Asciano, Torrita Di Siena, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Casole D'elsa, Gaiole In Chianti, San Gimignano, Mensano.
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