San Quirico d'Orcia

IN THE HEART OF VAL D'ORCIA

San Quirico is a medieval town that owes its millenary history with the passage of the Via Francigena. Part along with other towns in the area of the Parco Artistico Naturale e Culturale della Val d'Orcia and was inserted by 2004 on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. San Quirico d'Orcia comes as the territory's symbol of Tuscany in the world thanks to the landscapes of cypress trees and countless farms sprinkled for campaigns.

In the year 1000 was between the territories of the Amiata monastery and from 12th century Sienese passing first developed under the protection and then under the Florentines; in 1677 he became a marquisate of the Chigi family.

To visit is the Collegiata at the village entrance, a fine 12th-century parish church with carved portals including the principal of 1080, the right one flanked by lions and caryatids and the cruise that dates from the late 13th century; the remains of the keep; the Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, a small church become one of the most photographed of Tuscany since placed on top of a hill. While particularly characteristic are the Horti Leonini, a public garden located within the country, which it kept until today its original structure of 15th-century Italian gardens.

In and around San Quirico deserve a visit the hot thermal bath of Bagno Vignoni, known since Roman times for their beneficial properties.

 

Traditions

In June, the Festa del Barbarossa, a historical pageant with costumed parade, flag wavers and archery competitions between the districts.

 

Typical products

San Quirico d'Orcia offers high quality gourmet products such as oliveoil , the precious saffron and a wide variety of red wines with Jug denomination DOC.

 

Photo Credits [comunesanquirico.it]