The Val d'Orcia
In the heart of the Senese countryside dwells an essential, et perfect landscape made of enchanting hillsides, oak woods, olive groves, vineyards, villages and historical monuments. Val d'Orcia is now protected as an artistic, natural and cultural park which comprises municipalities as Montalcino, Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia. To the west the view takes in Monte Amiata , Italy 's highest extinct volcano, a large natural space: fir woods, chestnut woods, beechwoods, rare botanical and fauna species. Inside the Mount Amiata Faunal Park visitors can easily sight deers, roe deers and fallow deers, all of them wandering free inside the protected area.
The volcanic origins of Monte Amiata come to light at the thermal springs in Bagno Vignoni, near San Quirico d'Orcia, enjoyed since Roman times. The waters rise up from a depth of 1000 metres and reach the surface at 52° C° flowing in a magnificent pool measuring 49 metres which is the undeniable focus of the village.
The Abbey of Sant'Antimo
The foundation of the abbey has the taste of the legend. It tells that Carlo Magno, about at the year 800, of return in Rome , camped his men, struck by the plague, in closeness of the Starcia river. During the night an angel appeared in dream to the emperor which recommended him to pick up a particular grass, dry up it and then make an infusion with some wine (already the Brunello?) having it drunk by the soldiers. One did and so the army cured. Carlo Magno, whose name remained bound to that of the said grass " Carolina ", in thanks for the miracle it would have had the abbey built giving the holy Antimo and Sebastiano martyrs' bones.
Montalcino
Montalcino was already famous for its red wines in 1400s: the young Rosso of Montalcino D.O.C., the Moscatello D.O.C. and the Sant' Antimo D.O.C.. But among the productions of the wines, in the last twenty-year period an honour place is business to the famous Brunello: before it can be put up for sale it must age for a minimum of five years (six years for Reserve quality), two of which must take place in oak casks.
Of big value also the production of the Extravergine oil of olive and above all of honey. The stock farm of the bees in fact recently come in as part of the economic activities of the place, as much than the "week of the honey" of Montalcino has become a moment of meeting and exchange noticing for the whole national and international view .
Pienza
The town conceived by Pope Pius II has been designated as part of the “world-wide heritage of humanity” by UNESCO. Pienza actually represents today one of the constructive modalities through which in Renaissance age one tried to realize a model of life and government 'ideal' on the earth, elaborating an idea of town which was able to give concrete answers to the wish of civil pacific and industrious cohabitation of the men.
This town is now world-renowned for its sheep cheese (known as pecorino): its unique flavour has always depended on grazing lands rich with fragrant herb.
San Quirico d'Orcia
San Quirico d'Orcia, an ancient town between Mount Amiata and the Chiana Valley, thanks to its central position on the Via Cassia, it was a focal point for many historic events and personalities. Visitors to this old Etruscan town, with its well preserved ring of walls, can admire several historic churches and palaces. Built on a design by Carlo Fontana (17th century), Palazzo Chigi Zondadari in Via Dante Alighieri, is famous for the frescoes decorating the walls. A tour of the town includes the Walls and Gate or Porta Cappuccini and Collegiate of Saint Quirico and Giulitta with its magnificent Romanesque-Gothic doorways.
Montepulciano
Of Etruscan origin, free council from the XIII century and for long object of the aims of Siena and Florence, it is called "pearl of '500" for the works left by famous artists of the Renaissance as the Vignola, the Sangallo and the Peruzzi. The museum, reopened since some year, contains a valuable collection of Sienese painters'. In the summer the International Art Yard is developed: it provokes such a deep interest in the cultural international world that every year hundreds of artists of the most various nationalities are poured to Montepulciano. In August other important demonstrations take place as "the Bravio of the barrels", run for the streets of the town where the quarters in competition try to exceed pushing a barrel up the steep roads of the hill. The prestige of the Montepulciano wines is remarkable, at last: the Rosso Doc, but above all the Nobile of Montepulciano, first Italian wine able to be adorned of the DOCG certification.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano rises with the profile of his towers, on a hill to domain of the Val d'Elsa. Vineyards, olive-trees and woods are the constant of the San Gimignano landscape: one of the most beautiful environments of Italy is where first is born the wine which has obtained the first Italian DOC. The name of the vitigno and the wine “VERNACCIA of SAN GIMIGNANO” has the roots of his notoriety sinked into the really far centuries and this deserved reputation which derives from his highly appreciated qualitative characteristics, is transmitted to us by the Official Acts, literature passages and historical documents. Dante Alighieri himself, while wondering among the gluttons of his Purgatory, happens upon Foreste Donati. He indicates to Dante an old man (Pope Martino IV) who is paying the price for having stuffed himself with eels and Vernaccia. |
