TUSCANY: MOVING FROM MONTEPULCIANO TO THE VAL D'ORCIA VALLEY
Crossing south Tuscany, from Montepulciano to the Sant'Antimo Abbey through the spectacular Val d'Orcia Valley
Itinerary: Montepulciano, Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia, Montalcino
Tuscany: moving from Montepulciano to the Val d'Orcia Valley
Let's start in Montepulciano which is a beautiful Medieval Italian town encircled by fortified walls and located in one of the most evocative and historic areas of Tuscany, in the province of Siena. This art city rises along a narrow limestone ridge 605 meters above sea level, offering visitors a scenic view of the surrounding area, including Chiusi and Trasimeno Lake, Valdichiana, and Val d'Orcia Valley scattered with many picturesque villages.
But, Montepulciano is not just a vantage point, above all, it is a real pearl of history, art, and architecture since it has preserved over the years its oldest traditions, buildings, and unique charm. It is mainly famous for its magnificent Renaissance-style palaces and many churches. The most outstanding ones are:
- the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, was originally built in the 17th century, with an impressive bell tower. The square it is located is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
- the Renaissance-style Church of San Biagio, built in the 16th century by Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio is one of the Tuscan masterpieces of that century.
- the Baroque style Church of Santa Lucia with a beautiful travertine façade.
Montepulciano is also famous for its "Vino Nobile", one of Tuscany's most appreciated wines in the world. We suggest you taste a glass of this fine wine!
Left behind the city you will move in direction of the Val d'Orcia Valley, where you can find the real essence of Tuscany: hills trimmed by cypress trees, vineyards, and olive groves, secluded churches, and holiday farms. Val d'Orcia Valley was declared a human heritage site in 2004 by UNESCO.
The next stop is Pienza pic n°3, a wonderful village nestled on a hill. It is considered as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and it hosts several churches, palaces, and buildings you should visit. Do not miss the Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta pic n°3 built in 1462, Palazzo Piccolomini (pic n°3), one of the first examples of Renaissance-style architecture, with a magnificent garden, Palazzo Comunale, and Castle of Spedaletto, although the best thing to do here is strolling along the characteristic and charming historic alleys.
But, Montepulciano is not just a vantage point, above all, it is a real pearl of history, art, and architecture since it has preserved over the years its oldest traditions, buildings, and unique charm. It is mainly famous for its magnificent Renaissance-style palaces and many churches. The most outstanding ones are:
- the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, was originally built in the 17th century, with an impressive bell tower. The square it is located is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
- the Renaissance-style Church of San Biagio, built in the 16th century by Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio is one of the Tuscan masterpieces of that century.
- the Baroque style Church of Santa Lucia with a beautiful travertine façade.
Montepulciano is also famous for its "Vino Nobile", one of Tuscany's most appreciated wines in the world. We suggest you taste a glass of this fine wine!
Left behind the city you will move in direction of the Val d'Orcia Valley, where you can find the real essence of Tuscany: hills trimmed by cypress trees, vineyards, and olive groves, secluded churches, and holiday farms. Val d'Orcia Valley was declared a human heritage site in 2004 by UNESCO.
The next stop is Pienza pic n°3, a wonderful village nestled on a hill. It is considered as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and it hosts several churches, palaces, and buildings you should visit. Do not miss the Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta pic n°3 built in 1462, Palazzo Piccolomini (pic n°3), one of the first examples of Renaissance-style architecture, with a magnificent garden, Palazzo Comunale, and Castle of Spedaletto, although the best thing to do here is strolling along the characteristic and charming historic alleys.
San Quirico d'Orcia is just 22 kilometers away from Pienza, where you can visit some beautiful churches, such as the Romanesque-style Church of Collegiata (pic n°6), an enchanting garden called Horti Leonini, built in 1581, and the well-preserved walls of the town before driving towards Montalcino, 14 kilometers west of San Quirico.
The town of Montalcino (pic n°4) is overlooked by the fourteenth-century castle, and the skyline is characterized by the Medieval walls, San Martino tower, and San Giovanni tower.
At the end of your visit, spend some time and taste the worldwide famous "Brunello di Montalcino", one of the most excellent (and also the most expensive) Italian red wines! Here you are in its native home!
Now you can move on and visit one of the most interesting things on this tour in Tuscany. It is the 12th-century Abbey of Sant'Antimo pic n°5, located just 10 kilometers south of Montalcino, close to the village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate. It is an imposing Romanesque church, where you can visit the Carolingian Chapel, the remains of Sala Capitolare, and the cloister. This beautiful church, where mysticism and art meet, is the end of this tour in this enchanting land of Val d'Orcia so you can take now the road that leads you back to Montepulciano.
The tour starts and ends in Montepulciano (Tuscany, province of Siena)
It is long about 88 kilometers.
Some pics of Montepulciano and Val d'Orcia Valley:
Montepulciano pic n°1; The Cathedral and Palazzo Piccolomini, Pienza pic n°3; Montalcino pic n°4; Abbey of Sant'Antimo pic n°5; Church of Collegiata, San Quirico d'Orcia pic n°6;
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Id: 1
Tour: Tuscany: moving from Montepulciano to the Val d'Orcia Valley
Category: Country sightseeing tour
Published by/Copyright: Touring-Italy.net
Location: Countryside
Region: Tuscany , Italy
Area: Siena Area
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