Visit Castiglione d’Orcia

Imagine being a pilgrim and walking the via Francigena. In the middle of the Val d’Orcia, hungry and afraid, you stop to admire the mighty Rocca di Tentennano. It is a strategic outpost, which took on the functions of the Rocca Aldobrandesca because it was better positioned. In fact, it controlled the access of travellers from the Val d’Orcia towards Mount Amiata and the Maremma.

Castiglione d’Orcia is part of a territory full of history. In fact, the Etruscans, the Romans, the noble families of the lands of Siena and Florence followed one another. In addition to its strategic importance, the medieval village is famous for being immersed in a landscape that has become a UNESCO heritage site, we are talking about the Val d’Orcia. There are magnificent panoramic views. The traveller will feel part of a painting; surrounded by a well-kept nature that changes colour with the seasons, but which is able to stimulate the imagination of each artist.

We begin our journey within the town and the adjacent village of Rocca d’Orcia, where the famous Rocca di Tentennano is actually located. The square, dedicated to the artist “Il Vecchietta”, is the most characteristic we can expect from a medieval village: irregular slabs and rough stones form the square, while a travertine well emerges in the centre.
The village is a pearl set in travertine. There are glimpses and places where it really seems to go back in time, and many sacred buildings built in the inhabited centre: the church of the Giovanni Battista company, the church of Santa Maria Maddalena, the church of the Madonna di Manno and others. These are places in clear medieval style and in tone with the simplicity of the country.
A building worth mentioning, without neglecting the others mentioned above, is the pieve dei Santi Stefano e Degna. The facade retains part of the ancient Sienese splendour that had built it. Inside there are the frescoes of the “Enthroned Madonna with Child and Saints” by Giovanni di Bartolo and works by “Il Vecchietta“, now exhibited in the museum of Montalcino.
The town of Castiglione also has other uniqueness in its territory: the Rocca di Campiglia d’Orcia, the source and the Eremo del Vivo d’Orcia and the thermal waters of Bagni San Filippo to name a few examples.

The ancient village of Castiglione also offers parties and moments of entertainment to be able to better enjoy what nature and history offer. Most of the events take place in the summer, this is also due to the greater tourism. “La sagra del crostino e dei pici fatti a mano” (festival of crostini and handmade pici), in August, is certainly the most characteristic event for lovers of good food who pursue the ancient traditions and typical products of the place.
Music is the best companion if you find yourself immersed in nature. In the medieval town, in fact, you can attend some artistic events. The “Valdorcia Sound Festival” is a sought-after event that has gained some relevance over the years. The musical band “La Castigliana”, among the various events in which it participates during the year, plays a suggestive concert at the foot of the Rocca di Tentennano to announce the end of summer. The singing competition “Targa Vecchietta”, created in honour of the artist, rewards the best live artistic performances made in the village square.
There is one night in particular that echoes among the others, it is the night of Calici di Stelle. The event takes place on the night of San Lorenzo (the night of falling stars, August 10th), where there are dinners, stands and shows. Wine is one of the protagonists since the best Doc wines are part of the “Orcia wine trail” and some of the best wines are produced in Castiglione. The other protagonist is undoubtedly the sky, which will arouse emotions, admiring the countless falling stars in the night.
Now that travellers are aware of the beauty, nature, and culture they have witnessed, they can serenely continue their journey. The memories of a starry night, accompanied by an excellent glass of wine, at the foot of the majestic fortress, will always remain etched in their minds and accompany them towards the next adventure.

Find out in the section dedicated to hotels where to sleep and the best restaurants to eat in Castiglione.

Web site of municipality

Castiglione d’Orcia on Wikipedia