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

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.