MEDIEVAL SIGHTSEEING
Val d’Orcia is circled by numerous hill-top towns like a necklace of pearls. Each town has its own story but all have a well preserved medieval atmosphere. Being in the heart of the valley, Chiancianello provides a great base to explore this heritage, especially on a bike. Small tip, do not try to cover more than 2 or 3 towns a day, take your time to explore small streets and unexpected vistas of the rolling countryside outside the walls.
(Click on the town name for interesting facts and curiosities)
In short, this is one of the typical hill-top towns with a well-preserved medieval architecture, thanking for its glory to Pope Pius II, a local patriot. Thanks to the old tradition of sheep-herding in the Val d’Orcia, it is considered the capital of pecorino cheese. Last but not least, it provides great views and diverse culinary options while being much less crowded than the more-known hill-top towns of Tuscany.
Beautiful and small hamlet in the middle of Val d’Orcia, with great views and some picture-perfect spots. Head here on a bike and your drink and/or lunch under the fig trees will be well-deserved! Or just drive it up with your camera ready and enjoy a walk and the fine-dining options.
This little village stands out among the others – its central square is actually a hot pool from the 16th century! Till today, there are good opportunities for bathing: both in nature and in the spas. Plus, it’s also a great spot for eating out: in summer you easily find 10+ restaurants or bistros here…
It is a jewel of renaissance architecture (but with history going back to Etruscan times) sitting high above the countryside. It is also the center of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine region, one of the gems among the Italian red wines. Last but not least, it is a place where many unique artisan-makers and artists display their products and art. But it gets crowded in the season, best to come in the morning. It is also a convenient place to do your grocery shopping, just follow the signs for “Conad”.
It is another medieval town, half-way between Montalcino and our Agriturismo, which is certainly worth a stop - both for its beauty and its cuisine. The historical center with its cobbled-stone streets and protective wall is very well preserved. The whole walled area is a pedestrian zone which makes it extremely pleasant for a walk (we love it early in the evening). There are numerous magnificent restaurants in the town with our very best Bistecca Fiorentina and Tagliolini all Tartufo being served here.
If you say Montalcino, most people think wine – the famous Brunello. And yes, they are right, Brunello is a splendid wine and tasting it in one of the many enotecas is a must-do activity. Yet the town has more to offer. Not surprisingly, Montalcino is a medieval hill-top town :-) with splendid views over the vineyards (best either from the Fortress or from the square in front of the Duomo). It is also a great place for a stroll – our favorite spot is actually taking Via Donnoli all the way down to a little viewpoint of the town.
A bit off the beaten track from the tourist crowd but that much more worth the visit. With almost 900 m elevation it is the highest hill-top town in the Val d'Orcia. Walking through it has a unique feel as its houses are built from the black lava rocks. Well-preserved ruins of the fortress provide spectacular vistas as well as insights in the medieval wars between Florence and Siena. Personal suggestion, getting to the town on a bike makes for a sporty but highly rewarding trip with great vistas along the way.
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SIGHTSEEINGS BEYOND VAL D'ORCIA
There are other places beyond Val d'Orcia that we fell in love with. They are still within an. hour drive from Chiancianello and have their own history and uniqueness. See them for yourselves and let us know what you think.
The city is about 60 km away with population of about 100 thousand people (twice the size of Siena). However, when you enter the old town, the sensation is one of stepping back in time. There is so much to admire: two grand churches, Petrarca’s house, Medici’s medieval fortress, the Piazza Grande or Roman amphitheatre.
Yet, the best time to come is when the antique market or the jousting festival are in town. Arezzo is a little off the beaten track for the crowds, however, that may make it the more attractive...
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The town of Orvieto is perched high above the plains on a steep tufa hill making for a spectacular sight already from the highway. Thanks to its position on historic route between Rome and Florence and strong papal presence over the centuries, the town boasts rich cultural heritage worth visiting. Be it the spectacular Duomo at par with the ones in Florence or Siena, unique St. Patrick's well or underground labyrinth of 1200 tunnels. We love returning there as it is less than an hour away.