SETTING
Val d’Orcia: beauty for the eyes,
oxygen for the mind
You will find us in the most authentic heart of Tuscany in a landscape forged by centuries of alliance between man and nature.The hills dotted with cypress trees, the unpaved roads, the sun on the wheat fields… These are the very landscapes painted by the artists during the Renaissance: the Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO world heritage site because the communities that live here have succeeded in maintaining its balance and beauty intact. A living and vibrant cultural landscape, with towns with a rich history and plenty of tales and gastronomic traditions.
*To ensure activity availability, it is necessary to request information at least 15 days before your stay.
Places to visit in and around Val d’Orcia
(starting from those nearest to Sce Quiric by car)
San Quirico d’Orcia
The ancient Sce Quirìc, a stopping point for pilgrims walking the via Francigena, dates back to the Etruscan times and still retains its charming mediaeval atmosphere. An enchanting town to explore on foot to discover the 15th century walls, the magnificent churches with their history and artistic treasures and the unique Horti Leonini gardens.
Bagno Vignoni
A tiny town founded in Roman times above a thermal spring… And to this very day in Bagno Vignoni the main square is a pool that is 29 m wide and 49 m long full of warm water. A truly unique place! If you follow the water flowing in the canals you will reach the parco dei mulini with the watermills which relied on this precious resource.
Montalcino
Its name is inextricably linked to extraordinary wines like the Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino, but it has a labyrinth of alleyways and roads in its intact mediaeval town. The historic centre is full of churches, historic buildings and shops, as well as museums and restaurants. By climbing up to the walkway on the town walls and the imposing Rocca towers, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the entire Val d’Orcia.
Pienza
From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance: Pienza was founded as the ideal city. The future pope Pius II commissioned Rosselino to create this 16th century utopia on earth. In Pienza everywhere you look is scenic: viewpoints, honey-coloured travertine designs , perfect proportions. Next to the Duomo, from the loggia of Palazzo Piccolomini, you can admire the view all the way to Mount Amiata and recognise some of the settings from Zefirelli’s film “Romeo and Juliet”. But there’s also the famous cheese of Pienza and the treasures of the food and wine shops to discover.
Siena
An ancient and vibrant city that perfectly preserves its historical heritage and also lives passionately when the famous Palio di Siena ignites Piazza del Campo. Art lovers can lose themselves amongst the treasures of the Museo Civico, and whoever climbs to the top of the Torre del Mangia (which is the exact same height as the steeple of the Duomo, to symbolise the equal standing of the heavenly and earthly domains) will conquer a view over this magnificent city. In the maze of alleyways behind Piazza del Campo there are an infinite number of shops to explore and in which to taste biscuits and dessert wine.
Saturnia
Famous for its spas, the town of Saturnia has an ancient history and was the site of Greek, Etruscan and finally Roman settlements. They were all attracted by the magic of the thermal springs: the water is heated beneath the earth by the energy of ancient volcanoes and is enriched with soothing minerals, which create spectacular rocky concretions. In Saturnia you can decide whether to visit the comfortable spa complex or explore the enchanting natural pools of Mulino or Gorello.
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