The Val d'Orcia and its surroundings

This small area southwest of Siena contains some of the most fascinating Tuscan cities in just a few square kilometers.
In addition to Renaissance masterpieces and jewels of the Tuscan Middle Ages, such as the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, the Val d’Orcia also offers other attractions such as Bagno Vignoni and Montalcino, where the famous Brunello is produced, one of the most celebrated wines in the world

Siena

A city that needs no introduction, with a unique atmosphere in the world. The severe buildings and steep alleys of the historic center have remained the same as when Siena was an independent republic. Much of the ancient pride is still present in the temperament of the citizens, which is fully expressed on 2 July and 16 August each year during the famous Palio, perhaps the oldest and most authentic popular festival in Italy.

San Quirico d'Orcia

Immersed in the greenery of the magnificent Val d’Orcia, San Quirico d’Orcia is a fortified city that certainly deserves a visit. Definitely worth seeing is the Collegiate Church of Saints Quirico and Juliet with its splendid Gothic-Romanesque portals, the churches of Santa Maria di Vitaleta and della Misericordia, the Palazzo Pretorio and the Palazzo Chigi. The tour concludes with the Horti Leonini, a splendid example of Italian gardens created in 1540 by Diomede Leoni.

Sant'Antimo

The Abbey of Sant’Antimo is the most beautiful example of Romanesque architecture which, according to legend, stands on a votive chapel built by Charlemagne to preserve the relics of San Sebastiano and Sant’Antimo. A community of Premonstratensians lives in what remains of the thousand-year-old Monastery, cultivating the land and enchanting visitors with the evocative Gregorian chant.

Castiglione d'Orcia

The medieval village is located on a hill on top of which stands the imposing Rocca di Tentennano, which allowed control of the territory. From here you can enjoy a grandiose view of the Val d’Orcia, the Crete Senesi, the Amiata mountains and the city of Cetona.

Bagni San Filippo

Surrounded by a lush forest, the Bagni San Filippo thermal springs are one of the natural wonders of the Val d’Orcia, both for the properties of its waters and for the extraordinary curtain of limestone sculptures from which they flow.

Bagno Vignoni

Bagno Vignoni has been famous since Roman times for its thermal waters. The central square of Bagno Vignoni is occupied by the ancient swimming pool, no longer used by the public but a place of great beauty and an unmissable stop on the Via Francigena.

Pienza

Pienza, a small city in the Siena area, is a rare example of Renaissance urban planning brought to completion and defined from time to time as the ‘ideal city’, the ‘utopian city’. It is located in the center of the Val d’Orcia, in a beautiful and intact valley from a landscape point of view. Worth seeing are the Duomo, Palazzo Piccolomini and the parish church of Corsignano.

Montalcino

Montalcino dominates the entire surrounding countryside, perched on a hill on which the mighty fourteenth-century fortress stands. In the maze of alleys, among artisan shops, small cafes and shops selling typical products (in addition to wine, honey and local biscuits, called “dead bones”) are famous, the Town Hall and the Bishop’s Palace are worth visiting.

Radicofani

Radicofani offers an unforgettable vision of boundless panoramas that range from the Amiata to the Apennine chain, from the lakes of Bolsena and Trasimeno to the nuanced reflection of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Starting from the top of the cliff, the feudal castle built in the Carolingian era stands out. Downstream from the town is the grandiose Medici Villa ‘La Posta’.

Uccellina Park

The Uccellina Park, despite being an area characterized by thick vegetation, is full of historical-artistic testimonies of great importance, very heterogeneous, dating back to various eras and the result of different realities and needs. The territory of the Park is today divided between the Municipalities of Grosseto, Magliano in Toscana and Orbetello.

Monte Amiata wildlife park

The Monte Amiata wildlife park is located in the Province of Grosseto, in the municipality of Arcidosso, within one of the most beautiful and important natural areas in Tuscany. The territory on which the park extends is dotted with wildlife observation areas and nature trails, which can be explored by tourists alone or accompanied by expert guides.

Monte Labbro natural park

Monte Labbro is located in the municipality of Arcidosso, on the slopes of Monte Amiata. Considered a sacred mountain by the Etruscans, it exerts a strange fascination on man. The mountain enjoys an enviable panoramic position and is famous for the religious community founded by David Lazzaretti, known as the “Christ” of Amiata.