Tuscany Wonders
A day trip to Val D'Orcia
Another lovely day strolling around my beloved Tuscany must to be spent in Val D’Orcia. Before moving towards the coast, a daily trip around the iconic countryside of this region is mandatory. There is no best season to go, the nature is shaped by the weather, showing beautiful panoramas in any moment of the year.
My favorite village of the area is definitely Pienza, Renaissance village declared World Heritage Site of Unesco, is the gem of the area. The village is a postcard, offering a breathtaking view on Val D’Orcia hills. I would highly recommend to spend your day in Pienza, losing yourself in the narrow streets, that flow out into incredible viewpoints, and stop at any little restaurants, it’s hard to find a place where food is not tasty and qualitative, I’ve recently tried Piccolo Mini Bistrot and I’ve been satisfied. Do not miss to visit Palazzo Piccolomini, commissioned by Pope Pius II, who was born in Pienza, and part of the project for the reconstruction of the village as the ideal city. The courtyard is lovely and it looks out the hills offering a peaceful moment.
Before arriving to Pienza, have a quick stop at Cappella della Madonna del Vitaleda. This tiny church, built in the 16th century, is another Unesco site and the most iconic spot of Val D’Orcia. The little building, located at the top of a bare hill and protected by a row of 3 cypresses on each side, is poetic and nostalgic, it would be the best shot of the day.
Later in the afternoon, I would relax with a hot bath at Bagni San Filippo. 30 mins by car from Pienza, it’s a thermal oasis surrounded by nature and characterized by a huge monolite of limestone, locally known as ‘the white whale’. You can have a bath any season, the water is warm and the fairy atmosphere will bring peace in your heart and mind.
For this countryside chapter, I’ve not created a playlist, but I want to open and new section in our shared space, the Movie Club, because my trips are more than often inspired by movies and series. Our tour of Tuscan countryside fits perfectly with the iconic Bernando Bertolucci’s Stealing Beauty, that if you have not seen yet, I swear, it would make you dream about the innocent and spontaneous beauty of these places.
A.
