HOME
THE REGIONS OF ITALY
PLACES IN ITALY
Italy in Photos
Via della Piaggia, 53027 San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy (September 2018)
San Quirico d’Orcia
San Quirico d’Orcia is a picturesque medieval village located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, within the renowned Val d’Orcia region. This small town, with a population of just over 2,000 people, embodies the quintessential Tuscan charm with its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and centuries-old stone buildings. Situated approximately halfway between Siena and Montepulciano, San Quirico d’Orcia is known for its stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and its role in preserving the agricultural and cultural heritage of the region. The entire Val d’Orcia was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, making San Quirico an integral part of this celebrated landscape. The origins of San Quirico d’Orcia date back to Etruscan and Roman times, although its prominence grew during the medieval period. The town developed along the Via Francigena, a major pilgrimage route that connected Northern Europe with Rome. San Quirico became a popular stop for travellers, merchants, and pilgrims journeying through Tuscany. Its strategic position made it a centre of economic and religious activity, with the town hosting markets and offering rest to those on the pilgrimage to Rome. One of the key historical landmarks in San Quirico d’Orcia is the Collegiata di San Quirico e Giulitta, a Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century. Its intricately carved portals, particularly the ornate main entrance, showcase the Romanesque style with influences from Gothic architecture. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes and religious artworks, reflecting the town’s rich artistic heritage. The Collegiata is dedicated to the martyrs San Quirico and Giulitta, after whom the town is named. Another notable site is the Horti Leonini, a beautifully landscaped Renaissance garden designed in the 16th century by Diomede Leoni. These Italianate gardens, located within the town walls, offer a tranquil space for visitors to stroll among geometrically arranged flower beds, statues, and tree-lined walkways. The Horti Leonini exemplify the Renaissance ideal of creating harmonious and symmetrical spaces that blend natural beauty with human creativity. The gardens have become a symbol of the town’s cultural heritage and are used for public events and festivals throughout the year.
San Quirico d’Orcia also boasts several charming streets and alleys lined with medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the Palazzo Chigi, a grand 17th-century palace built by Cardinal Flavio Chigi. The palace, which once hosted Pope Pius VII, reflects the wealth and influence of the Chigi family, who were prominent patrons of the arts and politics during the Renaissance. The surrounding Val d’Orcia landscape, with its gently rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees, is a major draw for visitors. This iconic scenery has inspired countless painters, photographers, and filmmakers, and continues to attract travellers seeking the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. The nearby Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, a small, isolated chapel set against a backdrop of undulating hills, is one of the most photographed locations in Tuscany. San Quirico d’Orcia is also famous for its agricultural products, particularly olive oil and wine. The local cuisine features traditional Tuscan dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, including pici (a type of handmade pasta), wild boar, and Pecorino cheese from nearby Pienza. The town plays host to several food and wine festivals throughout the year, celebrating the region’s culinary heritage. For those seeking a slower pace and a deep connection with Tuscany’s history, culture, and natural beauty, San Quirico d’Orcia is an ideal destination. Its medieval charm, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural offerings make it a must-visit for anyone traveling through Tuscany. Whether exploring its historic churches, strolling through the Horti Leonini, or simply enjoying a glass of wine while overlooking the Val d’Orcia, San Quirico offers a quintessentially Tuscan experience. This serene village, with its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural legacy, encapsulates the essence of southern Italy, making it a perfect destination for those in search of history, nature, and authentic Italian culture experience
Worth a Visit
Parrocchia San Quirico e Giulitta stands at the heart of Piazza Chigi in the charming Tuscan town of San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy. This historic parish church is dedicated to Saints Quiricus and Julitta, a mother and child martyred in the early Christian tradition, and reflects centuries of faith, art, and culture. Built in the Romanesque style, the church showcases fine architectural details, including ornate portals and graceful stonework that reveal the skill of medieval craftsmen. Inside, visitors encounter a serene atmosphere enhanced by artistic treasures, sacred furnishings, and devotional works that have inspired generations of worshippers. Beyond its religious role, the parish is a cultural landmark, anchoring the community life of San Quirico d’Orcia. Its location in Piazza Chigi makes it a natural gathering point for locals and travelers alike, offering a glimpse into Tuscany’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage.
Piazza Chigi is the central square of San Quirico d’Orcia, a picturesque town in the heart of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by elegant medieval and Renaissance architecture, the square has long been the civic and spiritual hub of the community. At its center stands the impressive Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta, whose Romanesque façade and ornate portals draw visitors from around the world. Piazza Chigi also features Palazzo Chigi, a 17th-century residence commissioned by the noble Chigi family, which adds grandeur to the harmonious setting. Today, the square remains a lively meeting place, where history, art, and everyday life seamlessly blend. Locals gather here for festivals, markets, and processions, while travelers pause to admire the beauty of its stone buildings and the timeless Tuscan atmosphere. Piazza Chigi perfectly captures the spirit of San Quirico d’Orcia.
Piazza della Libertà is one of the most charming squares in San Quirico d’Orcia, a historic town nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia. Smaller and more intimate than the main Piazza Chigi, it offers a welcoming atmosphere where history and daily life come together. The square is framed by graceful stone buildings, cafés, and shops, making it a pleasant spot to pause and take in the rhythm of local life. At its heart stands the Church of San Francesco, also known as Chiesa della Madonna, a historic place of worship that adds cultural and spiritual depth to the square. Piazza della Libertà is often the setting for small gatherings, community events, and quiet moments of reflection, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Tuscan village life. With its blend of history, architecture, and charm, it is a treasured corner of San Quirico d’Orcia.
The Chiesa di San Francesco, also known as the Church of the Madonna, is a historic treasure located in Piazza della Libertà in San Quirico d’Orcia, Tuscany. Its origins date back to medieval times, when Franciscan friars established a presence in the town, bringing with them their message of simplicity and devotion. The church has undergone several transformations over the centuries, yet it retains a serene and spiritual atmosphere that reflects its Franciscan roots. Inside, visitors can admire devotional artworks, including paintings and altarpieces dedicated to the Madonna, which highlight the deep Marian devotion of the local community. Though modest in size compared to grand Tuscan cathedrals, the Chiesa di San Francesco is significant as a living place of worship and a symbol of San Quirico’s enduring faith. Nestled in the tranquil setting of Piazza della Libertà, it invites both quiet reflection and an appreciation of the town’s layered history.
Photo Gallery of Walk – Via dei Fossi to Via della Piazzola
Approximately 1.46 km – 0.91 miles
The walk starts in Via dei Fossi – Via della Piazzola – Via Poliziano – Via Dante Alighieri – Parrocchia San Quirico E Giulitta – Piazza Chigi – Via Dante Alighieri – Via dei Canneti – Walk back to Via Dante Alighieri – Via delle Oliviere – Piazza della Libertà – Via Dante Alighieri – Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta – Via della Piaggia – Via della Piazzola
COPYRIGHT © 2018-2025 ITALY IN PHOTOS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED