Four things you can see for free in VAL D'ORCIA
The main square of Bagno Vignoni
The main square of Bagno Vignoni, Italy, is called Piazza delle Sorgenti (Springs' Square), and it is unique because it features a large, stone-lined pool of hot, naturally flowing thermal water instead of typical pavement. This historic "piazza d'acqua" is surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings and is a central focal point for the village, which is known for its ancient thermal waters.
Address:
53027 Bagno Vignoni, Province of Siena, Italy
The Horti Leonini (Leonini Gardens)
The Horti Leonini are a beautifully preserved, classic 16th-century Italian garden located in San Quirico d'Orcia.
This architectural gem was created around 1580 by Diomede Leoni, a nobleman who received the land from Francesco I de' Medici. The garden is split into two distinct areas:
The Lower Garden: This formal, geometric section is shaped like a rhombus and features perfectly sculpted boxwood hedges in a hexagonal pattern. In the center stands a marble statue of Cosimo III de' Medici.
The Upper Garden: This area is more natural and rustic, resembling an English-style forest filled with ancient holm oaks and winding paths.
Address:
Horti Leonini, 53027 San Quirico d'Orcia SI, Italy
The Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta
The Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta (Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta) is arguably the most famous and photographed symbol of the Tuscan landscape, making it an iconic feature of the Val d'Orcia UNESCO World Heritage site, which is already in your saved list of places.
Location: It sits on a rolling hilltop on a scenic dirt road between the towns of San Quirico d'Orcia (where it is officially located) and Pienza.
Address:
Podere Vitaleta, 53027 San Quirico d'Orcia SI, Italy
The Cypresses of San Quirico d'Orcia.
The Cypresses of San Quirico d'Orcia (I Cipressi di San Quirico d'Orcia) are one of the most famous and photographed landscape icons of Tuscany, perfectly embodying the unique beauty of the Val d'Orcia (which is in your saved list of places).
These are not just scattered trees, but two distinct, picturesque groves that are a must-see.
Key Details about the Cypresses:
Iconic Status: The slender, dark-green cypresses standing alone on the smooth, rolling, golden-brown hills are the quintessential postcard image of the Tuscan countryside, recognized worldwide.
Location: They are located just outside the town of San Quirico d'Orcia, specifically along the Via Cassia (SR2) road. They stand on modest, isolated hillocks known locally as "I Triboli."
Address:
53027 San Quirico d'Orcia, Province of Siena, Italy
Address:
Address:
Address: