Location
Locanda Vesuna Siena

THE TERRITORY

The Val d'Orcia, a fascinating oasis of nature and culture, is dotted with acres of olive groves, oak forests and vineyards. The river that gives the valley its name traces much of the area, touching Radicofani and Sarteano, flowing eastward to the hillsides of Pienza, San Quirico, Montalcino and Castiglione, crossing Monte Amiata and curving around the hills of the Upper Maremma, before merging with the Ombrone. Pienza, declared the “ideal city” by Pope Pius II, was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1458, Enea Silvio Piccolomini decided to transform his hometown into a symbolic Renaissance city. One element of this change was the new Cathedral dell’Assunta, built between 1459 and 1462, which conserves works by some of the most well-known Sienese artists of the time. Nearby, visitors will find the Palazzo Piccolomini, whose loggia offers a wonderful view of the Val d’Orcia, the town hall and the Palazzo Vescovile and its adjoining museum. Don’t miss the medieval Church of San Francesco and the walls of the austere Parish Church in Corsignano, mentioned in historical documents as early as 714.