Abundant game, from wild boar and roe deer to the hare, live in the flourishing oak woods. Two millennia of protection and intelligent exploitation of the area have created an enchanting landscape and a unique place in which you can relax and recharge your batteries.

Set in the harmonious Tuscan countryside, "NaTourOasi" is situated at an altitude of 600 metres, a privileged position from where one can admire the beauty of Cortona and the Val di Chiana.
It's position in Central Italy makes it easy to reach with any means of transport.

"NaTourOasi" is an excellent point of departure for cultural excursions in the most famous historical centres of Tuscany and Umbria

Arezzo ( Km. 20 )
Firenze ( Km. 70 )
Siena ( Km. 40 )
Pisa ( Km. 140 )
Perugia ( Km. 80 )

The territory, set partly on a hill and partly on a plain, is situated in the province of Arezzo but very close to Siena. Civitella in Val di Chiana is situated on a hilltop at 525 meters above sea level in a dominating position, offering striking views of the Val di Chiana and Val d'Ambra. Worth to visit is the medieval castle dating back to 1048, the city walls, Palazzo Pretorio (dating back to 1300), a beautiful medieval stone cistern and S. Maria Church.

The church dates back to the year 1000 then built in Romanesque style in 1252. It was restored after the Second World War and still boasts a tabernacle with the image of the Madonna with child, dating back to1522. Nearby Civitella, on the borderline between the Val di Chiana and Val d'Ambra, the old "dealer way", is situated the Oratory of the "Madonna di Mercatale". On the hillside of the territory, in the Hamlets of Oliveto and Ciggiano there are still clear signs of the wall of the ancient settlements. On the surrounding hills olive oil and wine of significant importance is produced.

During the second world war, in Civitella Val di Chiana, Cornia and Gebbia there was a terrible nazi-nascist massacre. All this area was hit and destroyed. 176 unarmed people were killed.
In order not to forget this tragic and sad event, which changed the daily life of this people, the Organizing Committee with population and local government has organized a "Memory Room". They want to remember the mistakes and the horrors of all wars to the future generations with the hope to propagate a peace message. The Memory Room is in the centre of Civitella Val di Chiana , in Piazza Matteotti and it was opened in 2004 to celebrate the 60th anniversary from the massacre.
In this Room you can see some exhibits from the victims, a lot of photos of the little town before and after destruction, some archives documents, historical researches, evidences, judicial inquires, books, videos recorded during years and some war remains.
The entrance is free and it is opened on Saturdays and Sundays. To visit it during the week you can call 0575448112 (Secretary). For guided tour you can call the Local Library 0575445303.
The Memory Committee asks to all visitors to respect the place and sign the register, and if you want, you can write your reflections. The Presidente della Repubblica Carlo Azeglio Ciampi signed the register too on 7 October 2004 during his visit to Civitella to pay the right homage to the war victims in Arezzo province.

It is a significant stop in the most important cultural and tourist itineraries of Tuscany. There is an exceptional view of the Tuscan countryside from Gargonza. With its houses, the tower, the Romanesque Church and the walls, Gargonza is a well preserved example of a Medieval settlement. Because of its strategic position its history is intertwined with the political and military battles between Florence, Siena and Arezzo. Dante Alighieri, a guest of Count Umbertini, spent the first days of his exile there.

Cortona ( Km. 25 )

It was one of the 12 cities of the Etruscan Confederation, and today one can still see some imposing sections of the Medieval walls. Apart from a few very beautiful Renaissance Palaces, most of the buildings in Cortona are of Medieval origin and together with the steep and narrow streets contribute to its charm. Given its position (600 metres above sea level), one can enjoy the spectacular views of the Val di Chiana from every side of the town.

In the Museum of the Etruscan Accademy , amongst the many works of different periods some are of particular importance: the Etruscan Oil Lamp said to be from Cortona itself, is one of the most famous ancient bronzes; and the "Musa Polimnia" a Roman painting of exceptional beauty. In the Diocesan Museum apart from works by the famous Renaissance painter Luca Signorelli who was from Cortona, one can see one of the most beautiful Annunciations by Beato Angelico. Other places worth visiting are the Medieval churches of San Francesco and San Domenico, the Medieval Palazzo Casali with its Renaissance façade, the Renaissance churches of Santa Maria Nuova and San Niccolò, both of which contain important works of art. Just outside the town one can visit the Etruscan tomb known as "Tanella di Pitagora" (2nd century BC) at Cannaia; 6th and 7th century Etruscan tombs at Sodo; the Romanesque church of Sant'Angelo at Metelliano and the beautiful 16th century temple of Santa Maria delle Grazie at Calcinaio. The convent of the Celle, founded by Saint Francis, is one of the most captivating of the area. The Way of the Cross designed by Severini (20th century) follows the mystical ramp that unites the centre with the Sanctuary of Santa Margherita above, which is in turn dominated by the imposing structure of the Fortress of Girifalco.

Lucignano ( Km. 15 )

This small Tuscan town with its elliptic shape, which has remained intact over the centuries, is one of the most extraordinary examples of Medieval town planning. The fortunate geographical location of Lucignano, in a position dominating the Val di Chiana has rendered it strategically important since ancient times, and the castle was fought over by the neighbouring factions. The church of San Francesco, in the centre of the town, was built in 1248 and has a typically Franciscan "granaio" (barn) façade. Inside there are several 14th century frescoes. The Civic Museum is inside the Town Hall and has several paintings by Signorelli and the famous Golden Tree (or Tree of Lucignano), an imposing reliquary that represents Christ's cross symbolically.

Assisi ( Km. 95 )

Assisi with its narrow, winding streets, its squares and many old buildings, has maintained a medieval feel to it that brings us back to the times of Saint Francis. Saint Francis was in fact born in Assisi and he carried out his apostolate there.The most famous monuments of the town are the religious ones. The Basilica of Saint Francis is formed by two churches, one on top of the other. The one below, which is the older of the two, was started in 1228, decorated by Cimabue, Giotto and Pietro Lorenzetti. The one on top built in the 14th century is decorated by a cycle of 28 frescoes, almost all attributed to Giotto and representing the life of the Saint. The Cathedral, where Frederick 2nd of Sweden was baptised in 1197, was built in the 8th century on top of Roman ruins. The church of Santa Chiara, where one can also see the crucifix that spoke to Saint Francis, was decorated by Giotto.

San Sepolcro ( Km. 45 )

Established towards the end of the 10th century around an oratory built to house some reliquaries from the "Santo Sepolcro" (the Holy Sepulchre) in Palestine; San Sepolcro, also known as "Il Borgo", was a free municipality in the 8th century. The old walls with their almost rectangular shape still surround the centre of town. The Cathedral has a Romanesque/Gothic façade (stone with three portals and a big rose window) and a tower with a spire. Inside one can see a fresco of the Crucifixion by Bartolomeo della Gatta. The church of San Francesco has a façade of 1258 with a Gothic portal and a rose window and a Baroque interior. Next to the church there is a cloister (13th-14th century) and a chapter house (13th century). The Town Hall contains the famous fresco of the Resurrection by Piero della Francesca and is home to the picture gallery. Amongst other famous works one can admire the "Polittico della Misericordia" ( the polyptch of mercy).

San Gimignano ( Km. 50 )

Overlooking a typical landscape of olive groves and vineyards, San Gimignano was already famous in Medieval times for its production of fine wines. The town emerged, in a place that had already been inhabited by the Etruscans, towards the end of the 12th century and was proclaimed a free municipality. The town is on three different levels. The Rocca occupies the highest part of San Gimignano. Just below it is the old pre-thirteenth century part of town which is surrounded by walls and further down the fourteenth century part which is in turn surrounded by walls. During the period when it was a free municipality several buildings emerged around the Cathedral square: the "Palazzo del Podestà"(with its large arch and high Rognosa Tower); the "Palazzo del Popolo" which houses important frescoes of the time and the "Torre Grossa" (big tower) next to it. In the picture gallery of San Gimignano (in the Town Hall) the "Madonna in Gloria tra i Santi Gregorio e Benedetto" by Pinturicchio is of particular interest.

Montepulciano ( Km. 30 )

This splendid town known as "The Pearl of the 16th century" because of its artistic and architectural vestiges has conserved its beauty intact. As the visitor walks up its steep streets they discover the beautiful buildings and churches where the best Renaissance architects impressed their incomparable artistic talent. One shouldn't miss the magnificent Piazza Grande, the Cathedral with its incomplete façade, the Town Hall and the Renaissance buildings all around the square. In the valley below, set in an unforgettable landscape, is the elegant Temple of San Biagio.

Montalcino is set on a hill 564metres above sea level, between the valleys of the Rivers Orcia, Arbia, Asso and Ombrone in an area rich in woods of oak and chestnut trees. Ever since the Bronze Age, the Etruscans and Romans sought after this oak-covered mountain. Because of its strategic position Montalcino was always at the centre of conflicts between neighbouring factions. Until the mid-sixteenth century when Siena surrendered to the Medici and over four hundred Sienese families in exile sought refuge in the free municipality of Montalcino and under the leadership of the Marshal Piero Strozzi, founded the "Republic of Siena in Montalcino", drawing up laws and civil regulations similar to those in nearby Siena.Between the 17th and 18th century there was an economic boom due largely to the large number of artisans working in the town and agriculture also flourished giving this part of Tuscany the aspect that it still conserves today. Even now the landscape is still dominated by rows of vines from which the fine wines appreciated all over the world are produced. Amongst these wines the place of honour goes to the now famous "Brunello di Montalcino".

Pienza ( Km. 30 )

Originally called "Castello di Corsignano", Pienza got its original name in honour of Pope Pio II Piccolomini who, in the second half of the 15th century ordered its renovation. He wanted to carry out the utopian image of the ideal city. The small town is a jewel and the Cathedral in particular merits a visit. In it one can see works by Giovanni di Paolo, Matteo di Giovanni del Vecchietta, di Sano di Pietro. There is also a marble altarpiece attributed to Rossellino, the architect who was commissioned by Pope Pius II to redesign the city. Next to the Cathedral is the Diocesan Museum where one can admire works from the school of Sodoma and di Sano di Pietro and Flemish tapestries of the 15th and 16th centuries. The beautiful Palazzo Piccolomini is only a few metres away. It was designed by Bronzino and Beccafumi. Below in the valley one can see the enchanting landscape of the "Artistic, Cultural and Natural Park of the Val d'Orcia", with its gullies, undulating fields and the famous cretaceous crags.

Trequanda ( Km. 30 )

This Medieval village is in one of the most unspoiled areas in the province of Siena. The village developed around a castle in 1200 of which only the imposing crenellated cylindrical tower remains. Trequanda is set at the top of a hill immersed in natural surroundings made up of woods and well-ordered vineyards and olive groves. The old centre surrounds and light square with its splendid Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Peter and Andrew. It was founded in the 3rd century and has a façade of white and dark slabs of stone, giving a chromatic effect that is quite rare for the area. Inside the church there is a fresco by Sodoma and a triptych by Giovanni di Paolo.

Chianciano Terme ( Km. 40 )

This is definitely one of the most famous and important thermal spas in Italy and probably due to the water was an important Etruscan and Roman centre. The discovery of a monumental thermal complex at "Mezzomiglio", presently under excavation, bears witness to this. Many other Etruscan and Roman finds, some of which are of recent discovery, can be seen in the Museo Civico Archeologico "Delle Acque". The Medieval part of Chianciano hides small treasures of Romanesque and Renaissance art: some can be seen in the Museo di Arte Sacra in Palazzo dell'Arcipretura.

Bagno Vignoni ( Km. 40)

The water-filled square with the old houses reflected in it make this Medieval village unique. The hot steam that rises from the large thermal bath creates fascinating and unusual effects that vary depending on the season. From there, where in the 16th century Santa Caterina of Siena and Lorenzo de'Medici ( known as Il Magnifico) bathed, one can admire one of the most spectacular views of the area. The stream of water that still flows out of the enormous pool once fed a complex system of mills before running into the River Orcia. The remains are now part of an archaeological park from which one can see the breathtaking view of the valley below. Going to Bagno Vignone is like stepping back in time into a different world.

Chiusi ( Km. 45 )

Chiusi, already of considerable importance in Etruscan times, experienced a period of great splendour at the time of the legendary king, Porsenna. Extremely important finds from the archaeological excavations, that are still in progress, can be seen at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Etrusco. The Cathedral is opposite the museum. It already existed in the 12th century and was transformed in 1585; The Museo della Cattedrale is in the building next to it and contains important objects such as the precious illuminated missals.
In the area some extremely interesting Etruscan tombs have been discovered like those of the Pilgrim, the Monkey, the Lion and the Snare. There are also the Christian catacombs of Santa Mustiola and Santa Caterina. One can also visit the so called Labyrinth of Porsenna which consists of an intricate system of underground passages that lead to a 1st century cistern.

Cetona ( Km. 50 )

Situated on the slopes of the homonymous mountain, Cetona conserves the characteristic structure of a Medieval settlement with its narrow spiral shaped streets that lead up to the Rocca. The 40,000 year old prehistoric settlement at the Belvedere is worth a visit. The Museo Civico per la Presitoria del Monte Cetona is of considerable interest and houses finds that go from the Palaeolithic period to the end of the Bronze Age. In the Church of San Michele Arcangelo (founded in 1155) one can see some frescoes of the Sienese school and others attributed to Cola Petruccioli; there is a cycle of frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Church of Santissima Trinità.

Castiglion del Lago ( Km. 40 )

It is situated on a promontory and is of Etruscan origin, around the 7th century. It acted as a formidable point of defence for the Byzantine Duchy of Perugia. It was then fought over by Arezzo,Cortona and Perugia. In 1617 it was made into a Duchy until 1648 when the area was given over to the Camera Apostolica. The Rocca del Leone was built in 1247, probably designed by Friar Elia Coppi. It is in the shape of a pentagon with four angular towers and triangular battlements. Palazzo Corgna was built around the old houses of the Baglioni and the already existing walls. The proximity of the Palazzo to the Rocca, linked by a fascinating walkway, gives the whole place a typically feudal feel. Of notable interest are the extensive internal decorations such as those by Niccolò Circignani known as "Il Pomarancio" begun in 1574.

Camaldoli ( Km. 50 )

Immersed in the forests of the Casentino, Camaldoli offers the opportunity to go on relaxing walks surrounded by nature in a place that is charged with spirituality. In Camaldoli there is the first convent of the order of the Camaldolesi (founded in the 11th century by San Romualdo). The Monastery was an important cultural centre, above all in the humanistic era. It was the seat of the Accademia patronized by Lorenzo il Magnifico and by Leon Battista Alberti. Higher up, at 1104 metres, is the hermitage of Camaldoli the first seat of the order and it still has its original layout with the separate cells.

La Verna ( Km. 40 )

The famous 8th century Franciscan monastery is set in this place that is imbued with a sense of peace and spirituality. In 1213 Count Orlando Gaetani gave the mountain to San Francesco of Assisi who went there with some companions and lived in a cave on the mountain: here on the 17th September 1224 he reputedly received the stigmata. In 1216 Orlando had the small church of Santa Maria degli Angeli built. In the second half of the century the Chapel of the Stigmata was built and in the 14th and 15th centuries the Chiesa Maggiore with one nave. The three churches house precious works of terracotta by Andrea della Robbia such as the Adoration of Jesus and an Annunciation.