A trip to Tuscany cannot end before making a stop in San Quirico d’Orcia, one of the most famous and photographed villages in the world.
Located in the heart of Val d'Orcia, the landscape of San Quirico is simply unique. The grove of cypresses appearing in the middle of the rolling hills and the famous Romanesque chapel standing out in the countryside are two iconic symbols of Tuscany. Countless postcards, magazines, paintings and photographs portray a landscape that has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although you might have seen this scenario somewhere, its charm is so immense that it cannot be described by words. San Quirico d'Orcia and Bagni Vignoni are two magical places that need to be seen and discovered in first person to fully appreciate their charm.
Start planning your trip to Val d'Orcia and get ready to fall in love with its beauty! Here is a list of the best things to see and visit during your visit. If you are looking for a vacation rental in this region, choose one of our wonderful villas like Villa Cerretalta or Villa Cassia!
San Quirico is a small village with Etruscan origins standing on top of a hill halfway between Pienza and Montalcino, along the Via Francigena. This lovely destination can be easily reached from the main roads and it will allow you to discover the most beautiful corners of the Orcia Valley comfortably. Walking along the streets, you will pass next to Romanesque churches and ancient buildings, which confer to the town a unique Medieval aspect. Entering from the door of the defensive walls called "Porta Cappuccini", you will reach a charming town where time seems to have stopped centuries ago. The tourist attractions are many: further to the Medieval remains of the tower called "Torre del Cassero", you can visit noble palaces such as Palazzo Chigi , the beautiful Italian gardens of Horti Leonini and some important century-old churches. Some of these are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of San Francesco, which contains a splendid statue made byAndrea della Robbia.
From the streets of San Quirico, some some breathtaking landscapes open to the eyes of the toursit. The Val d'Orcia presents contrasts of light, colors and shapes that match perfectly. An alternation of Medieval castles, small villages, woods and vineyards covers the sweet hills. Also, some dreamy nature trails cross golden wheat fields and the bright green meadows, which can be traveled both by foot and bike. This is certainly the most beautiful part of Tuscany, a welcoming region that gives wonderful emotions and positive moments of relax to its guests.
In addition to the famous cypresses, another tourist attraction is the Chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta , a small stone church built on a hill overlooking an infinite valley. It is a surreal and mystical place that represents one of the most spiritual sites in Tuscany.
Looking for some additional relax? Bagni Vignoni is a town near San Quirico d'Orcia and a renowned thermal destination welcoming all types of guests. Its waters have beneficial properties that have attracted some of the most illustrious personalities of all time, such as Caterina de 'Medici and the artists of the Grand Tour.
These places also offer many opportunities for fun and entertainment, as they offer a variety of interesting events throughout the year. The Orcia Wine Festival, the EVO Oil Market, the Eroica cycling race or the "Bagno di Birra" festival are events that welcome thousands of tourists making them discover the local culinary delights in a very special way.
© Alice Pilastri
