Crastatone - Piancastagnaio (Chestnut Festival)

The Crastatone in Piancastagnaio reaches its 59th edition, confirming its status as the oldest festival dedicated to the Monte Amiata chestnut. The event celebrates the conclusion of the chestnut harvest and marks the beginning of the autumn and winter season, taking its name from the local dialect word 'crastare', which refers to the traditional practice of scoring chestnuts before roasting them. Over three lively days, the historic village center comes alive with taverns and cellars organized by the four town districts (contrade) — Borgo, Castello, Coro, and Voltaia — serving guests for both lunch and dinner. Visitors can sample authentic local chestnut specialties, including crastate (roasted chestnuts), suggioli, brodolose, monne, and castagnaccio cake, all accompanied by local wines. Alongside the culinary delights, the festival program features entertainment, live music, and DJ sets across the contrade, as well as craft markets and guided walking tours through the village streets. For outdoor lovers, the traditional Crastatone Hike winds through the surrounding woods, while the municipality provides a complimentary shuttle service from the parking areas up to the historic center.