The crete have a lunar landscape with an expanse of clay hills cut by deep ravines which extends into the immediate surroundings south of Siena up to the Val d’Orcia.

The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore (14 km from Montisi) stands on a hill that dominates the crete, in the midst of a forest of cypress, pine and oak trees. This monastery was also founded by Bernardo Tolomei in 1313. Of great interest is the Chiostro (cloisters) with the portico protected by windows that are entirely decorated with frescoes that depict stories of Saint Benedict that were painted by Luca Signorelli and Antonio Bazzi, known as the Sodoma.