San Quirico d’Orcia is a hilltop enclave of palaces, pastel-hued houses, piazzas and cobblestone alleys. Once a layover on the Via Francigena pilgrim route between Rome and northern Europe, today San Quirico d’Orcia encapsulates the essence of Tuscany. Spend your time visiting historic landmarks, dining at pavement cafés and admiring a countryside of cypress trees, olive groves and vineyards.
Find major attractions located within the town’s walled medieval quarter. Enter via one of the four impressive gateways, such as Porta Cappuccini and Porta Nuova, and then explore the collection of streets on foot. Amble along the narrow Via Dante Alighieri, which cuts through the heart of the historic district. Pause to appreciate the colourful houses, many of which are home to boutiques, galleries, cafés and pizzerias.
The handsome Piazza della Liberta marks the centre of Via Dante Alighieri. Visit Chiesa di San Francesco, home to a statue of the Madonna by the Renaissance sculptor Andrea della Robbia. Marvel at the perfectly groomed geometric gardens of Horti Leonini.
Make your way to the Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta. Built around the late 1100s, this church blends Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque features. Adjacent to the church is the 17th-century town hall building, Palazzo Chigi.
At the opposite end of Via Dante Alighieri is the humble Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. Nearby is the Ospedale della Scala, a one-time halfway house for pilgrims travelling on the Via Francigena.
Time your visit to coincide with one of the town’s various cultural events. Sample acclaimed Tuscan wines at April’s Orcia Wine Festival. Watch costumed parades and medieval battle reenactments during June’s Feast of Barbarossa.
More attractions await just a short drive from the town. Enjoy therapeutic treatments in the natural hot springs at Bagno Vignoni. Go hiking in summer and skiing in winter at Mount Amiata.
San Quirico d’Orcia is about a 1-hour drive from Siena and a 2-hour drive from Florence. Together with Bagni San Filippo, Monticchiello and Pienza, this is a great destination to include on tours of the hill towns of the Val d’Orcia.
