San Quirico D'orcia: Palace, Gardens and Via Francigena

San Quirico d'Orcia reveals its character through distinctive cultural sites, landscaped gardens and historic paths. If you would like to combine history, art, landscape and active stages on your trip to Italy, you will find various points of interest here: from Palazzo Chigi and the Horti Leonini to sections of the Via Francigena.

Palazzo Chigi and the History of the Festa

Palazzo Chigi was built in the second half of the 17th century at the request of Cardinal Flavio Chigi and designed by the architect Carlo Fontana. The fresco program covering two floors is particularly striking. It depicts allegories of the seasons, the zodiac signs, the elements and the arts, as well as mythological scenes. The visit therefore appeals to anyone who wants to explore architecture not only through its façade, but also through its imagery.

The Museo del Barbarossa Orfeo Sorbellini presents the history of the Festa, the four historic districts of Borgo, Canneti, Castello and Prato, the competitions of the Alfieri and Arcieri, as well as historic newspapers and archival documents. The museum also displays the original costumes from the historic imperial procession of Emperor Frederick I of Swabia and his wife Beatrix of Burgundy. Once a year, they are used for the historical reenactment and procession.

Spedale della Scala and Medieval Traces

The Spedale della Scala was built in the 13th century as an outpost of Santa Maria della Scala in Siena for medieval pilgrims on the Via Francigena. It preserves wall structures of the Grancia dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, an inner courtyard, a well and a loggia on the first floor.

Horti Leonini: Garden Art and Sculptures

The Horti Leonini were created around 1580 by Diomede Leoni as a classical Italian garden in the heart of San Quirico d'Orcia. Their design is divided into a lower area with a more formal layout and an upper area that is more natural in character. The upper section lies in a centuries-old holm oak forest crossed by winding paths. Since 1971, the contemporary sculpture exhibition Forme nel Verde has been held in the Horti Leonini. Garden art, woodland and modern sculpture each find their own expression here.

Chapel, Olive Oil and Paths through the Landscape

The Cappella di Vitaleta is located in a rural setting a few kilometers from San Quirico d'Orcia. It can be reached from the SP 146 in the direction of Pienza or from the SR2 Cassia via unpaved roads, as well as on foot along paths. During the Festa dell'Olio, trekking, tastings at olive oil producers and guided tastings conducted in cooperation with AICOO tasting experts are combined.

The Via Francigena also provides clear guidance for planning your trip: Stage 35 leads from Ponte d'Arbia to San Quirico d'Orcia. Stage 36 begins in San Quirico d'Orcia and leads to Radicofani; it can be completed on foot or by mountain bike. This allows you to coordinate a cultural stay, walks and stage planning based on specific themes.

As another destination, you can visit Bagno Vignoni.

For the overarching travel overview: Siena.

More Destinations

More places in the same destination:

Isola D'arbia, Mensano, Anqua, Colombaio, Vagliagli, Radicondoli, Toiano.