Here, history plods on

The small town  where our emporium is located, of Etruscan origin and admired for its beauty and its people. Crossed by a section of the Via Francigena (now Via Dante Alighieri), it is mentioned by Sigeric, archbishop of Canterbury, in his travel journal from 990.

PLACES TO VISIT

Collegiata of Saints Quirico and Giulitta: it welcomes the pilgrims arriving from the north The inlay details by Antonio Barili on the choir are noteworthy. Santa Maria Assunta: small Romanesque church, in the south. Horti Leonini: 16th century Italian-style gardens, created for wayfarers passing through.

Church of San Francesco: inside it houses the statue of Our Lady of the Annunciation, attributed to Andrea Della Robbia (16th century)

Stars of one of the most iconic images of Tuscan known worldwide.  They are located in the municipality of San Quirico and are visible from Strada Statale 2 (Cassia).
But a better idea is to reach them on foot, along a path that we’ll give you directions for.

The territory of San Quirico d’Orcia is also home to this small church, now widely recognized as the symbol of the local area. It was created in 1884 by architect Giuseppe Partini, based on 16th century designs.
Inside, it houses a statue of Our Lady attributed to Andrea della Robbia, now kept in the Church of San Francesco in the centre of San Quirico.
The chapel can be reached by foot, via an easy trail. It should be noted that it is private property and will soon be used for staging events and exhibitions.

A town renowned for its wine production (Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino).
Located on high, it overlooks the territory, affording splendid panoramas.

PLACES TO VISIT
La Rocca: a well-preserved medieval fortress, which hosts the Jazz & Wine Festival in July.
Palazzo del Priori: seat of the Town hall, a beautiful Gothic loggia overlooked by a narrow tower Don’t miss the Palazzo Vescovile, the churches of Sant’Agostino, Sant’Egidio, San Francesco and the Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art.

The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a Benedictine monastery.
Works began on the monastery in 1313 and it was redesigned several times thereafter.
It houses the eye-catching frescoes of the Stories of St. Benedict by Luca Signorelli and Antonio Bazzi, known as Il Sodoma.
A small shop inside the building sells spirits, oil, honey and herbs: all produced by the Abbey.

Provincial capital with a vast heritage of history, art and landscape, and the venue of the famous Palio event (held on 2 July and 16 August).

PLACES TO VISIT
Piazza del Campo, one of a kind in the world, with its shell-like shape and terracotta paving. The splendid Fonte Gaia and the Palazzo Comunale (inside: the Maestà by Simone Martini and the Allegory of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti) are located here. The square also hosts the Torre del Mangia (87 metres tall, 400 stairs) which affords an unmissable panorama. The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) in white and dark green marble, contains works by Donatello, Michelangelo and Pinturicchio.
The carved marble floor is spectacular.

Until 1462 it was known as Corsignano. Pope Pius II, (born Enea Silvio Piccolomini), originally from the town, decided to revolutionize its layout. In line with the canons of the time, he wanted to make it into an ideal city. Architect Bernardo Rossellino was appointed to execute the project. The Renaissance buildings that we see outside today were mostly built in 4 years because the death of Pius II automatically blocked the works.

PLACES TO VISIT
The square: the urban centre of the town, where the Cathedral, the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Piccolomini and Palazzo Borgia (in the Diocesan museum of Sacred Art, full of pictorial and sculptural works) are located.

Small town near Pienza. The venue of the well-known “Teatro povero” event held in summer for the last 50 years, each year featuring different shows written and performed by the locals.

PLACES TO VISIT
The Parish Church of Saints Leonardo and Cristoforo, that of Santa Maria dello Spino and, from the outside, the Torre del Cassero (closed to the public).

Capital of the province, with ancient origins, it was formerly the Etruscan city known as Aritim. In the Middle-Ages and Renaissance periods, it fought against Florence and Siena. An extremely well-attended antiques fair is held there (on the first Sunday of the months and the previous Saturday).

PLACES TO VISIT
Duomo: Gothic cathedral containing the tomb of Pope Gregory X and the fresco of St. Mary Magdalene by Piero della Francesca. Church of San Domenico with the wooden Crucifix by Cimabue.
Basilica of San Francesco: it hosts the Bacci Chapel with the fresco depicting The Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca. Petrarch’s House, Vasari’s House and Loggias and the Medici Fortress that overlooks the city are not to be missed.

A municipality that straddles the Valdichiana and Val d’Orcia areas, well-known for its wine production (Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano). In the centre of the town, in August, the Bravio delle Botti is held, a thrilling contest between the 8 contrade, or neighbourhoods.

PLACES TO VISIT
Antonio da Sangallo the Elder is credited with designing: Palazzo Cervini, Palazzo Contucci, Palazzo Ricci, the Medici Fortress and the Temple of San Biagio, just outside the historical centre of the city.
An appealing statue of Pulcinella striking the hour on a bell is visible on the tower of the church of Sant’Agostino.

Since back when it was called Callemala (year 876) it has always been a stronghold on the Via Francigena and subsequently it was the subject of fierce disputes between Siena and the Papal State. It was the scene of the legendary feats of Ghino di Tacco, noble rebel, who in 1297 took hold of the Castle of Radicofani. Also mentioned by Dante and Boccaccio, he used the Castle as a base for raids and robberies.

PLACES TO VISIT
Castle of Radicofani, a majestic architectural complex. Palazzo Pretorio, the Church of San Pietro, the Church of Sant’Agata (statue by Andrea della Robbia) and the Palazzo della Posta, formerly the hunting lodge of Ferdinando I de’ Medici, later used as the customs office.

A spa town with sulphurous waters, it takes its name from the small village church dedicated to San Filippo Benizi.

PLACES TO VISIT
The Cascata della Balena Bianca (Waterfall of the White Whale) is a spectacular rock wall covered in limestone formations created by the flow of the spa waters. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!

This monastic complex, considered one of the most important architectures of the Tuscan Romanesque style, is located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate. The original nucleus of the abbey dates back to the year 352. In subsequent centuries, having grown in importance and size, it was disputed by the local potentates. It fell into ruin following a long period of glory and splendor. From 1870 onwards, it passed under the jurisdiction of the Fine Arts, which restored the essential parts of the abbey. In 1979, a new monastic community from France settled here, but in 2016 it abandoned the building and returned to France. Now the Community of Sant’Antimo consists of three diocesan priests and some lay members. The monastery Pharmacy is open for business, selling food and herbal products.

Provincial capital and the heart of the Maremma area. Home to illustrious characters such as Francesco Petrarca and Giorgio Vasari, and a pivot point for nature trails and archaeological excursions.

PLACES TO VISIT
Duomo: started in 1294 and redesigned several times later on, inside it houses beautiful 15th century windows. Piazza Dante Alighieri: the statue of Leopoldo II, known as “the Canapone”, stands in the centre of the square. Palazzo Aldobrandeschi is located on the east side.
The archaeological area of Roselle (8 km from Grossetto), once one of the twelve Etruscan city states, is unmissable. The city walls, the amphitheatre, the Domus of mosaics and the necropolis are all exceptional. The Maremma Nature Reserve, in Alberese, spans protected areas totalling over 100 square metres.

The sea is one hour and 15 minutes from San Quirico. A beach resort that offers an exceptional welcome and sandy beaches protected by a thick pine wood. Near the Fuorirotta Beach Club you’ll also find a long section of coastline dedicated to dogs.

A district of the municipality of San Quirico, reachable via an easy trail, and rich in spa waters, used since Roman times. In the centre of the town, the spectacular Piazza delle Sorgenti is occupied by a rectangular pool that is always full thanks to a warm water spring located underground. The thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni were visited frequently by Pope Pius II, Catherine of Siena (the Church of San Giovanni Battista conserves a painting of the Saint with Bagno Vignoni in the background) and Lorenzo de’ Medici. The waters then flowed downwards towards four mills dug out of the rock (today they form the Parco dei Mulini). Bathing in the pool is not allowed, but some hotels allow guests to benefit from the spa waters.

Monte Amiata is a mountain range in the Tuscan Sub-Appenines. The Amiata, which towers to an altitude of 1,738 metres, is the highest peak in the range. The Amiata territory boasts many protected areas: the nature reserves of Monte Labbro, Pescinello, Bosco dei Rocconi, Poggio all’Olmo, Santissima Trinità, Monte Penna and an important wildlife park. The Abbey in Abbadia San Salvatore, with its striking Crypt sustained by thirty-five columns, is a must-see attraction. In Santa Fiora, to celebrate the new year, on the night of 30 December, the town is lit up by the flames of large pyres burning chestnut wood. For winter sports fans, the Amiata also hosts equipped ski slopes.