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Val d'Orcia, Tuscan harmonies

From Radicofani to San Quirico, from Pienza to Montalcino, in the heart of Tuscany. Among gentle hills and ancient villages of unparalleled beauty lies the small paradise of Val d'Orcia, a land rich in history and traditions.

Gentle hills amidst olive groves, wheat fields, vineyards, and cypress trees. An enchanting countryside dotted here and there by stunning art towns with centuries-old traditions, all away from the major tourist circuits that bring benefits to the economy but perhaps less tranquility to these sun-drenched lands steeped in a history-derived peace. It's Val d'Orcia, a small paradise whose name derives from the river that originates from the hills of Radicofani and Sarteano before continuing its journey in the upper Maremma until it flows into the Ombrone. The discreet charm of Val d'Orcia comes from the harmonious fusion of history and nature, all characteristics that have rewarded it and earned it the prestigious recognition of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Here reigns Pienza, whose historic center is an example of Renaissance urban planning brought to fruition. Today, the town is part of the Artistic, Natural, and Cultural Park of Val d'Orcia, which aims to preserve the rich artistic heritage of the five municipalities that are part of it: Castiglion d'Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza, Radicofani, and San Quirico.

Among the attractions of these magnificent lands stands out the suggestive village of Bagno Vignoni and its thermal water, known since ancient times by the Etruscans and Romans. Today, a spa offers a range of services, from inhalation therapies to mud therapy, from massages to balneotherapy. But if Val d'Orcia represents an invitation to enjoy the sweetness of nature and the goodness of local products, it does not forget its cultural vocation.

Rushed tourism is banned; this area is not meant to be rushed through. Much better to savor it slowly, perhaps on foot, on horseback, or by bicycle. And if after a wonderful walk through its unmistakable landscapes a certain hunger arises, the local gastronomy is generous in satisfying the most voracious cravings: olive oil, the true prince of Tuscan agriculture, the spicy aroma of saffron cultivated and exported since the Middle Ages, cheeses among which the Pecorino di Pienza stands out, not forgetting, of course, that unmistakable bouquet that has made Tuscany and its territory famous: the Brunello di Montalcino. Red with Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG), it can be considered, along with Barolo, as the Italian red wine with the greatest longevity. But if Brunello is the wine that best represents Val d'Orcia in the realm of enogastronomy, the cypress tree is equally important in its landscapes. They are everywhere, lining paths or adorning the top of a hill, and they are somewhat the symbol of this countryside, all about serenity and harmony.

An alternative way to visit Val d'Orcia while respecting the sweetness of its landscapes is by train. Those who love trekking and want to feast their eyes on landscapes of rare beauty can board the Nature Train. You can board at the station of Siena and get off at one of the numerous stops along the Siena-Asciano-Torrenieri-Monte Amiata-Monte Antico line. Walking, breathing pure air, and looking around to admire flora and fauna in a kaleidoscope of colors that change with every season, in an alternation of cultivated fields, gentle hills, and Mediterranean scrub, before departing again towards the evening. The most nostalgic can opt for a steam train, the means of transport that best enhances slowness and blends wonderfully with the sweetness of the essential landscapes of this land.