The Grand-Ducal Estate of Dolciano is located just 3 km from the historic center of Chiusi and 4 km from Lake Chiusi and the “Sentiero della Bonifica” path. It represents one of the most beautiful historical, cultural and architectural testimonies of the Valdichiana Senese.


The valley, once traversed by the Clanis River, is scattered with ancient grand-ducal farms built in the first half of the 18th century. They are the result of the long process of land reclamation begun by the Medici family in the early 16th century and continued by the Habsburg-Lorraine family from the second half of the 18th century. The farms were reserved for landowners and their peasants and served to organize the agricultural work of the entire valley.

The Gran-Ducal Estate of Dolciano has been owned by the Bologna family since 1864. Thanks to their love and constant commitment, it is still today a fascinating place rich in tradition.

A visit to the estate today will allow you to experience the ‘timeless fascination of history’ and give you a unique experience at the court of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.

The ancient mansion has historic rooms and an Italian garden. A guided tour gives the opportunity to visit the church, commissioned by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, embellished with an imposing columned portico. After admiring the church's fine frescoes, the tour continues to the museum of 20th-century farming civilization located inside the old granary. Other stops include the kindergarten, the school, the recently restored beautiful lemon houses and the old cellars dating back to 1778.

The guided tour also includes a visit to the Bologna family taxidermy collection consisting of more than 300 animals, some of which are now extinct.

Today the estate is a great place to take some time out and stop for lunch or dinner at the restaurant “La Locanda delle Scuderie”, led by chef Walter Tripodi, or enjoy a sunset aperitif at the brand-new restaurant “Dolciano Tre”. It is also the ideal starting or finishing point for trekking routes in the Tuscan countryside both towards the historic center of Chiusi and towards the lake and the “Sentiero della Bonifica” path.