Are you wondering what to see in San Quirico d’Orcia in just one day?
This small Tuscan village, often less known than its neighbors Pienza or Montalcino, is a true surprise: elegant, peaceful, full of history, and with corners that seem painted on canvas.
An ideal destination for those who love to stroll unhurriedly, savor beauty, and discover the authentic soul of Val d’Orcia.
Between ancient walls and secret gardens
Upon arriving in San Quirico, park your car outside the historic center and begin your visit on foot. Entering through the medieval walls is already a journey back in time: tidy alleys, light-colored stone, peaceful shops.
Your first must-see stop is the Collegiata of Saints Quirico and Giulitta, a Romanesque church with carved portals and a façade that tells centuries of history. Just ahead lies a hidden gem: the gardens of Palazzo Chigi, known as the Horti Leonini.
This 16th-century Italian-style garden is a surprising place, geometric yet relaxing — perfect for reading a plaque, taking a photo, or simply breathing in the atmosphere.
The heart of the village and the Via Francigena
Continuing along the main street, you’ll notice that San Quirico is small but vibrant — every stone tells a story. The streets are lined with artisan workshops, bakeries, wine shops, and a few welcoming cafés and restaurants for a snack or a coffee break.
The village is crossed by the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route, and you can still feel that atmosphere of passage and encounter, between tourists, walkers, and people who stop by even just for a few hours.
Postcard landscapes and must-see spots
In the afternoon, head just outside the village to explore some of the most iconic landscapes of Val d’Orcia.
A few minutes by car along the road to Torrenieri, you’ll find the famous Cypress Circle of San Quirico, a perfectly round group of trees that has become a symbol of the Tuscan landscape.
From here, the view opens up to rolling hills, plays of light, and colors that change with the seasons.
A little further on, in the opposite direction toward Pienza, you’ll reach the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta: a small, solitary church framed by cypresses, photographed every year by thousands of visitors.
It’s one of those places that seem frozen in time: essential, silent, perfect to admire for even just a few moments before heading back.
Before you leave
Back in the village, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation: a stop in a wine bar to taste a glass of local wine (perhaps a Rosso d’Orcia) or a traditional dessert.
San Quirico may be small, but it leaves a lasting impression — in the details, in the silences, in that rare feeling of having experienced something real.
You don’t need to do much: just be there.
Some helpful tips
- Convenient and well-marked parking just outside the walls
- The old town is easy to explore on foot
- If you love photography, early morning or late afternoon offers the best light
- The Horti Leonini gardens are free to enter and open nearly all year round
Visiting San Quirico d’Orcia in one day is a simple yet genuine experience.
No rush or complicated plans needed — just walk, observe, and let the details guide you. The village’s stones, the green of the Horti Leonini, and the landscapes just beyond the center all contribute to that feeling of balance that the Val d’Orcia offers so naturally.
It’s the perfect place to disconnect, slow down, and take home a piece of Tuscany that stays with you — in your eyes and in your heart.
