Artistic, Natural and Cultural Park of the Val d'Orcia

Throughout the five communes of the Val d'Orcia the landscape varies, and the many villages, castles, parish churches and abbeys, works of art and traditions, makes a trip through the Val d'Orcia a memorable experience. Amongst the many itineraries that this land has to offer we would like to suggest these five particular trips. Each one starts in one of the five communes which make up the park and will help you discover the richness of the present and the past which can only be appreciated and admired.

First itinerary

FROM MONTALCINO

We leave this pleasant town, famous for the wine called "Brunello", and go south following the provincial road no.14 until Sant'Angelo in Colle, a small village which nestles around around a stout stone tower and all that remains of the medieval castle. A Romanesque church and the church of the Confraternità contain two works of art to enjoy. Further along is Argiano, and the remains of walls and donjon of a castle dating back to the late Middle Ages. On arriving at S.Angelo-Cinigiano station; we find Poggio alle Mura on the right, dominated by a large castle, today called Villa Banfi, where it's possible to visit the il Museo del Vetro (a glass and wine museum). Going north the ancient church of Saint Sigismondo is quite near the medieval village of Camigliano. From this village you can return to Montalcino.

Second Itinerary

FROM S.ANTIMO

In this case the starting point is Castelnuovo dell'Abate, a town on a hill overlooking the Abbey of Saint Antimo from the South. The interest which the letter naturally arouses in the visitor all too often overshadows the attractions of Castelnuovo itself: the Bishop's Palace, the late-renaissance Bellanti Palace, the frescoes by Ventura Salimbeni preserved in the parish church (in urgent need of restoration), not ti mention the charm of the town, are good reason for making a stop in Castelnuovo. Close the town, the onyx quarry, the old bridge on the Starcia and the La Velona fortress are well worth a trip; they can all be reached by making a short detour (on foot) from the road leading Castelnuovo to Monte Amiata Scalo.

Third Itinerary

FROM SAN QUIRICO D'ORCIA

Leave the village with its magnificent Romanesque church, the Collegiata and turn west along a dirt road that leads up to the ancient hamlet of Vignoni, where the tower rises to defend a few houses enclosed by the remains of the medieval walls. A gate opens onto an unforgettable view of the valley. Continue along the dirt road and after a few kilometres you come to Ripa d'Orcia, dominated by the castle (which is now a residence): that overlooks a deep gorge with the River Orcia winding its way along the valley and flanked by Mediterranean bush which stretches on towards the Maremma. Turning back the same dirt road takes you to Bagno Vignoni, a thermal resort which was much loved by Santa Caterina of Siena. From here the main road takes you back to San Quirico.

Fourth Itinerary

FROM CASTIGLIONE D'ORCIA

After admiring the impressive Rocca a Tintinnano at Rocca d'Orcia take road SS no.323 and after some kilometres turn left go towards Vivo d'Orcia - 800 metres above sea level -, a health-resort near the ancient monastery of San Pietro del Vivo. Set in the typical environment of Amiata, with its woodlands rich in chestnut trees, mountain maples, beech and silver firs. From here, you arrive Campiglia d'Orcia, overlooked by the remains of Rocca della Campigliaccia. Continue down the hill to reach Bagni di San Filippo, a small thermal resort set on the slopes of Monte Amiata. From here you can take the nearby via Cassia to return to Castiglione.

Fifth Itinerary

FROM PIENZA

Near this small town, built by Pope Pio II, is the Pieve di Corsignano, a church with a marvellous cylindrical bell-tower which dates back to the XI-XII century. Continuing south you travel through a landscape, made famous by the many publicity spots which have been shot here. Then you arrive at Monticchiello, a delightful hamlet, surrounded by walls with towers and a donjon which date back to the middle of XIII century. This hamlet is now famous for the "Teatro povero" ( popular theatre ) which has taken place here for the last 30 years. From Monticchiello you can get to the fortress of Castelluccio, with the nearby villas of La Foce and Chiarentana (the latter was an ancient medieval castrum). Returning northwards, you take the provincial road no. 53 to the medieval "grancia" (fortified farm) of Spedaletto with its many towers and embattlements, which belonged to the church of Santa Maria della Scala of Siena. From here you can return to Pienza.

Sixth Itinerary

FROM RADICOFANI

After visiting this pretty village, built on basaltic rock, and dominated by a recently restored fortress which enjoys breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside, go north and take the turning for Contignano, a delightful hamlet set amongst the rolling lunar landscape of the upper Val d'Orcia. Continue northwards until you come to the turning for San Piero in Campo, a Camaldolite monastery which dates back to before 1030. The northern part of the monastery is dominated by the ancient Torre Tarugi. Keeping to this religious theme, turn south-east and you arrive at the Abbazia di Spineta, now transformed into a villa and a congress centre. It is possible to visit the Romanesque church called SS. Trinità founded in 1085.