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Via della Piaggia, 53027 San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy (September 2018)

San Quirico d’Orcia

The origins of San Quirico d’Orcia date back to Etruscan and Roman times, but the town flourished during the Middle Ages thanks to its strategic position along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route connecting northern Europe to Rome. This historic role shaped its development as a welcoming stop for travellers, pilgrims, and merchants, leaving behind a rich architectural and cultural legacy. The well-preserved historic centre is enclosed by medieval walls and features Romanesque churches, noble palazzi, and stone-paved streets that retain an authentic atmosphere.

Among the town’s most important landmarks is the Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta, a Romanesque church renowned for its sculpted portals and artistic details. Nearby, the Horti Leonini, an elegant Italian Renaissance garden, offers a refined contrast to the surrounding rural landscape and provides a peaceful space for contemplation and leisure. These sites reflect San Quirico d’Orcia’s historical depth and aesthetic sensibility.

The town’s cultural life remains vibrant, rooted in tradition yet open to contemporary expression. Local festivals, historical re-enactments, and seasonal events celebrate both religious heritage and rural customs. San Quirico is also closely connected to the agricultural traditions of the Val d’Orcia, particularly the production of olive oil, grains, and wines, including those associated with nearby Montalcino. Tuscan cuisine, based on simplicity and high-quality local ingredients, plays a central role in everyday life and hospitality.

San Quirico d’Orcia is an ideal base for exploring the Val d’Orcia and its neighbouring towns, such as Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, and Montalcino. Yet it also stands confidently on its own, offering a quieter and more intimate experience than some of its famous neighbours. With its timeless landscapes, rich history, and strong sense of community, San Quirico d’Orcia represents the essence of rural Tuscany, where art, nature, and tradition come together in enduring harmony.

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