Description
There are 5 municipalities in the Val d’Orcia: Pienza which is a superb example of Reinassance architecture and famous for its highly flavourful and aromatic varieties of pecorino cheese; Montalcino which is dominated by the impressive 14th century Fortress of Montalcino Castel and home to the world renowned wine of Brunello di Montalcino; San Quirico d’Orcia which noted for its cathedral, the Collegiata di San Quirico, where sandstone lions support the decorative columns at the main entrance. The cypress groves on the hillside leading up to the walled city are the most photographed trees in all of Italy; Castiglion d’Orcia, where 2 ancient medieval fortresses, the well preserved Rocca di Tentennanno and the ruins of the Rocca degli Aldobraneschi, look down from craggy hilltops; the Fortezza di Radicofani, perhaps the most impressive and scenic fortress in all of Italy, rises above the small town at its feet and offers far-reaching views. The One Thousand Mile Race, a popular event in May in which vintage cars travel from Brescia (Lombardia) to Rome and back, passes through Radicofani.
Charming hamlets, solitary churches and farmhouses and other points of interest dot the Val d’Orcia countryside. A fun and unique way to view the landscape, attend town festivals and special gastronomic events is aboard an antique steam train, the Treno Natura (Nature Train) which leaves from Siena on scheduled dates throughout the year.