Tuscany is famous for Florence, Siena, Pisa, and San Gimignano, but the Orcia Valley offers a quieter, equally breathtaking experience. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this southern Tuscan region combines rolling hills, medieval towns, castles, churches, and ancient forests, perfect for travelers seeking authentic culture and scenic beauty.

Start in Radicofani

Begin your journey in Radicofani, a small village of just over 1,000 inhabitants. Its medieval streets, lined with volcanic stone buildings, lead visitors to Piazzetta del Teatro and the Ghetto Ebraico, the historic Jewish quarter. Two remarkable churches stand near the main square: San Pietro, dating to the 10th century, and Santa Ágata, built in the 14th century. Both house exquisite works in glazed terracotta by the Della Robbia family, including the Madonna and Christ crucified — masterpieces of Renaissance artistry.

From the center, Via della Fonte descends to the 16th-century Lavatoio, where villagers once gathered to do laundry, and near the Posta Medicea, a historic travelers’ inn visited by Popes, writers like Dickens and Stendhal, and Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Alongside, a small fountain still displays the coat of arms of the Grand Duchy.

Outdoor Adventures

Radicofani is an ideal base for active travelers. The surrounding hills are perfect for cycling — especially with an e-bike — or hiking through the Bosco Isabella, a park with remnants of a 2,000-year-old Etruscan temple and a 19th-century pyramid once used by Freemasons. The park hosts summer festivals, adding a cultural twist to nature walks.

A highlight is the Radicofani Fortress, perched 900 meters above the village. Originally built by the Carolingians and reinforced by the Lombards, Medici, and others, it features a well-preserved tower, underground passages, bastions, and terraces with sweeping views over the Orcia Valley. For cyclists, the climb is steep but rewarding; guided e-bike tours are available for varying fitness levels.

Local Flavors and Crafts

Just north of Radicofani, in Contignano, visit the Caseificio Val d’Orcia to learn about pecorino cheese production and sample locally made varieties. In town, Pane e Companatico offers delicious salamis, honey, and pastries — perfect for a picnic in the hills.

Santa Fiora and Monte Amiata

About 33 kilometers west lies Santa Fiora, one of the valley’s most picturesque towns. Wander its winding medieval streets, explore churches like Madonna della Neve and Sante Flora e Lucilla, and admire the Della Robbia works inside. An intriguing glass-floored passage reveals the course of the Fiora River flowing beneath the town.

Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the nearby Amiata beech forests, among Europe’s largest. In autumn, vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a fairy-tale scene. Winter visitors can ski toward the volcano’s 1,400-meter summit, with lifts and facilities at Le Macinaie.

Abbazia di San Salvatore

The journey concludes at Abbazia di San Salvatore, about 30 minutes northeast of Santa Fiora. This small town, named after its historic abbey, preserves a medieval crypt, zoomorphic column capitals, a 12th-century polychrome cross, and Baroque paintings by Francesco Nasini. Nearby, the Galleria Centrale offers a perfect meal, featuring fresh house-made pasta like mushroom tagliatelle or ragù bianco, rounding off a culturally and naturally rich Tuscan experience.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Radicofani is accessible by car or a combination of train and bus from Florence or Siena.
• Best time to visit: Autumn for the foliage, spring for mild weather, winter for skiing.
• Activities: Cycling, hiking, historical tours, local food tastings, and photography.

The Orcia Valley invites travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in Tuscany’s less-explored beauty, where medieval history, art, and natural landscapes blend seamlessly for an unforgettable experience.