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Italy - Tuscany - Val d'Orcia
TUSCANY - VAL D'ORCIA
Val d'Orcia borders on Lazio province to the south and, to the east, Umbria province, that green heart of Italy: once an integral part of the older Sienese Republic, this makes up a coherent landscape mostly devoted to quite serious farming and pastureland.
Val d'Orcia has yet to be really discovered, but it is now second home to some of Italy's most patrician families: it is roughly triangular-shaped and delineated by Pienza and Monticchiello to the north, Radicofani to the south, and Montalcino in the west. It's traversed by the sinuous waters of the Orcia river and the Ombrone: thanks to the protection of Mount Amiata – nearly 6000ft at its peak, it has a typically soft Mediterranean climate.
Val d'Orcia has yet to be really discovered, but it is now second home to some of Italy's most patrician families: it is roughly triangular-shaped and delineated by Pienza and Monticchiello to the north, Radicofani to the south, and Montalcino in the west. It's traversed by the sinuous waters of the Orcia river and the Ombrone: thanks to the protection of Mount Amiata – nearly 6000ft at its peak, it has a typically soft Mediterranean climate.
Pienza is a Renaissance jewel conceived by the architect Barnardo Rossellini for Pope Pius II: the central Piazza Pio II is a classic square; the cathedral built in 1462 is unique in that the façade has no Christian symbols; the Palazzo Piccolomini, the Palazzo Communale and finally the sumptuously-restored 15th-century Palazzo Borgia all add to the grace of this wonderful little town.
San Quirico d'Orcia, a rather humble agricultural centre, has a magnificent Collegiata, rebuilt in the 12th-century and newly-restored, 17th-century Palazzo Chigi, as well as a lovely Renaissance garden, the Horti Leoni designed in the late 15th century.
Radicofani, a landmark in south Tuscany, is found at the summit of a surreal, muffin-shaped hill topped by a lofty tower, a beautiful ruined fortress, and the rather splendid 17th-century Palazzo la Posta.
Situated high on a hill inhabited since Etruscan times, the walled village of Montalcino dominates the serene and beautiful countryside: a virtually impregnable fortress that is swathed in vineyards and olive groves.
It has very many buildings of historic interest – in fact, it is quite glorious and well worth a visit just for them – but Montalcino is best known for its very high quality wine, a pungent red that can hold its head up even among Italy's finest vintages. An art tour followed up by a wine tasting session is a delight.
San Quirico d'Orcia, a rather humble agricultural centre, has a magnificent Collegiata, rebuilt in the 12th-century and newly-restored, 17th-century Palazzo Chigi, as well as a lovely Renaissance garden, the Horti Leoni designed in the late 15th century.
Radicofani, a landmark in south Tuscany, is found at the summit of a surreal, muffin-shaped hill topped by a lofty tower, a beautiful ruined fortress, and the rather splendid 17th-century Palazzo la Posta.
Situated high on a hill inhabited since Etruscan times, the walled village of Montalcino dominates the serene and beautiful countryside: a virtually impregnable fortress that is swathed in vineyards and olive groves.
It has very many buildings of historic interest – in fact, it is quite glorious and well worth a visit just for them – but Montalcino is best known for its very high quality wine, a pungent red that can hold its head up even among Italy's finest vintages. An art tour followed up by a wine tasting session is a delight.
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