TUSCANY AND ITS WONDERS

From Montisi it is easy to reach cities, towns and abbeys,
of outstanding historic and artistic interest and to admire unforgettable views.

 

 

The valley is characterised by a succession of hills as far as the eye can see, where nature is still largely pristine. The Val d’Orcia extends along the path of the river that gives the valley its name and the ancient Cassia.

During the X and XI centuries the great growth in the numbers of pilgrims along Via Francigena led to the development of some centres such as San Quirico, Castiglione and Radicofani. During the following centuries many castles, fortresses and grance were built in this area (such as those of Spedaletto, Castelluccio, Cuna, Serre di Rapolano and Montisi).

Do not miss a visit to Pienza (12 km from Montisi), which dominates the northern side of Val d’Orcia. The small town was commissioned by Pope Pius II Piccolomini who entrusted its design and construction to Bernardo Rossellino and it remains one of the most successful examples of urban renovation and planning.

Also interesting is a visit to Bagno Vignoni (14 km from Pienza), an ancient and enchanting thermal centre with its houses of distinctly medieval appearance surrounding the great pool of hot sulphurous water and the nearby Rocca d’Orcia, a small medieval town that lies below the impressive ruins of the fortress of the Rocca a Tentennano.

After 6 km along the road that connects Montisi to Pienza there is a turn-off to the right that brings you to Sant’Anna in Camprena, an Olivetan Benedictine Monastery founded in 1324 by Bernardo Tolomei (and recently publicised in the film “The English Patient”). Of great note are the frescoes that decorate the refectory painted in 1502-1503 by Antonio Bazzi known as the Sodoma.  

Borgo La Grancia s.s. - P.IVA 01581530522

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