Val d'Orcia
瓦尔道尔恰 · Val d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
Rolling farmland, cypress-lined lanes and hilltop towns make up the most classic Tuscan countryside, with towns such as Pienza, Montalcino and San Quirico d'Orcia scattered through the valley, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004.
Know before you go
- Do not walk into private wheat fields or vineyards to take photographs without permission
- do not park at random on narrow country roads
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Pius II's "ideal town"
In the 15th century, under the patronage of Pope Pius II, the small town of Pienza was rebuilt as an "ideal town". Walking through it today, you can still see the layout left by this Renaissance rebuilding.
Source: Wikipedia: Val d'Orcia
Legend
Ghino di Tacco, the brigand-hero
Radicofani was home to the medieval brigand-hero Ghino di Tacco, and local tales tell of him robbing the rich to help the poor. Today, from the fortress of Radicofani, you can still look out over the valley where he is said to have roamed.
Source: Wikipedia: Val d'Orcia
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Val d'Orcia lies in Tuscany between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto, stretching from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata. Wheat fields, cypresses and hilltop towns interweave across the valley, and towns such as Pienza, Montalcino and Radicofani each have their own character. From Renaissance painting to modern photography, the valley's landscape has been depicted again and again, becoming the archetypal image of the Tuscan countryside. Brunello di Montalcino is counted among the most prestigious Italian wines.
Local customs
- Drive or cycle along the white gravel roads, stopping at viewpoints to take in the lines of cypresses and wheat fields
- taste Pecorino cheese in Pienza and learn about Brunello wine in Montalcino
- take a soak at the Bagni San Filippo hot springs.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Rome's Spanish Steps: no sitting, eating or drinking
Do
- Walk up the steps and keep moving after your photo
Don’t
- Sitting, resting, eating or drinking on the steps
Banned by Rome's urban police regulations since 2019; media report fines of €250, rising to €400 for dirtying or damaging the steps.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: ANSA: Rome bans sitting on the Spanish Steps (2019)
Don’t DON'T
- Do not walk into private wheat fields or vineyards to take photographs without permission
- do not park at random on narrow country roads
Locals appreciate DO
- Park clear of farm machinery routes
- keep quiet inside small-town churches
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The valley's sights are spread out, so driving is the most convenient way around. The summer sun is strong, so bring water and sun protection. Farm stays and winery visits should be booked in advance, and fees are subject to official information.
- From Siena, the drive to the valley takes about an hour. Buses within the valley are infrequent, so driving or joining a local tour is more flexible. On selected dates a historic steam train also runs through the valley
- operating dates are subject to official information. In late spring and early summer the wheat fields are green, and the autumn harvest season is the most photogenic
- summer sun is strong
- winter is quiet and good for hot springs and unhurried strolls through the small towns.
Photos
Photos
Anna.Massini · CC BY 4.0
Anna.Massini · CC BY 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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