If you look at it from the ancient city of Cortona, situated at an altitude of 600 metres, it looks like a huge pictoresque garden. It’s enough to think that twentytwo centuries ago it was even considered Etruria’s granary. But many centuries after, when Leonardo da Vinci designed his ‘Codice Atlantico’, the Chiana Valley was presented as a lake. This so-called ‘lake’ was reclaimed by the noble Lorena family at the beginning of the 19th century, when the Chiana Valley was then restored to its fomer fertility. It was during that period that many villages were built in this area. Today the harmonious hills of the Chiana Valley are sprinkled with small and large villages, characterized by gracious architectures. Foiano della Chiana, situated in the centre of the valley, is an important commercial and artisan centre. The Foiano Carnival is the second most important and old Tuscan carnival after that of Viareggio. Another small village, Lucignano is instead considered the Chiana Valley pearl. This medieval village still preserves the image of a strategic fortified castle and finds in the boundary between Siena and Arezzo. Its ‘Maggiolata’ is one of the most important local fétes, it celebrates the spring festival and takes place in May. In the town Museum you can find the famous and ancient ‘Life Tree’, also called ‘Golden Tree’ because of its golden and silver branches. It’s 2,60 metres high and symbolizes love, fertility and fortune. Young couples still vow their love and faithfulness in front of it today. Other intersting villages are Monte San Savino, Gargonza Castle, Sinalunga, Torrita di Siena etc. This itinerary is full of surprises in a fertile and generous land with lots to be discovered and enjoyed.