The Val D’Orcia and Montepulciano

The Val D’Orcia and Montepulciano - Image 1
The Val D’Orcia and Montepulciano - Image 2

The Val D’Orcia and Montepulciano

Montalcino

Home to one of the most renowned Italian wines, Brunello di Montalcino, this ancient hilltop town still preserves the memories of its long history. The imposing Rocca di Montalcino overlooks the city along with the mighty medieval walls that surround it. There are many masterpieces scattered along the historic streets, especially sacred architecture. 

Both the Church of Sant’Egidio and the Church of Sant’Agostino date back to the 14th century, while the Cathedral is neoclassical, built on the remains of an ancient parish church erected in the 9th century.

Another masterpiece located a few kilometers from Montalcino is the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture.

Bagno Vignoni

This small village, where ti me seems to have stood still, lies along Via Franchigena, the pilgrimage route to Rome.

The large thermal water pool is the town’s centerpiece, surrounded by a 14th-century wall and continuously fed by a 16th-century fountain, from which thermal water flows directly from a volcanic spring. The water, which enters the pool at a temperature of 52°C, has therapeutic characteristics known since ancient times. Various wellness centers have sprung up around it, making Bagno Vignoni a popular spa resort. 

Below the town, you can visit the Parco dei Mulini, recently restored by the municipality of San Quirico, where the water is divided into small canals and basins, before descending towards the Orcia river, forming concretions, waterfalls and pools.

Pienza

A splendid Renaissance town, constructed by order of Pope Pius II. 

To savor the warmth of the town, you need only stroll through its narrow alleys or linger in the main trapezoidal square, admiring the buildings that surround it.

The Duomo, built in 1459 by Bernardo Rossellino, majestically stands out from the historic center, accompanied by Palazzo Borgia and Palazzo Piccolomini. Pienza is now also famous for its pecorino, a Val d’Orcia product that is renowned throughout the world.

Montepulciano

Without doubt one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Tuscany, standing 600 meters above sea level and protected by wall fortifications that are still intact and impressive.

The town, which has Etruscan origins, is renowned throughout the world for its fine Renaissance buildings and sophisticated churches. Its notable monuments include Palazzo Budelli, Palazzo Comunale, the Church of San Biagio and the Church of Sant’Agostino.

Montepulciano is also famous for its excellent vineyards, from which Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Rosso di Montepulciano are produced.