Crete Senesi

Le Crete Senesi

The name derives from the clay, or chalk, in the soil, which gives the landscape its characteristic blue-gray color and an appearance often described as lunar. 
he landscape is characterized by barren, gently rolling hills, solitary oaks and cypresses, the isolated farms at the top of the heights, stretches of forest in the depressions, and the fountains that collect rainwater.
Typical land conformations are gullies, crags and biancane. One of the most interesting buildings in this area is probably the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, founded in the 14th century.
The area is known for the production of the white truffle of the Crete and hosts a museum dedicated to the so-called diamond of the Crete, near the historic center of San Giovanni d'Asso.