A unique place in the world, rich in art, history, food, and wine delights, in a breathtaking setting where time seems to have stopped... The Val d’Orcia, a #UNESCO World Heritage, includes the historic centers and much of the territory of the municipalities of Castiglione d’Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza, Radicofani, San Quirico d’Orcia... #tuttitaly
San Quirico d'Orcia is a splendid village in the heart of Val d'Orcia. It seems that its foundation is due to the Etruscans. We can deduce this from discovering some cinerary urns and funeral furnishings in Vignoni and Ripa d'Orcia.
The city was a significant center in the Middle Ages because the famous Via Francigena crossed it, and today it remains a pretty village to be discovered.
We can visit the Collegiate Church of San Quirico and Giulitta, whose Baptistery (the oldest part) probably dates back to the eighth century.
The structure is an extraordinary example of medieval architecture in the Romanesque-Gothic style. The church has three portals, among which the leading portal stands out with its fascinating rounded porch, the column-bearing lions, and the small statue of San Quirico that dominates the architrave. On the latter, we can see the representation of two crocodiles facing each other.
We also note, next to the Collegiate, the Palazzo Chigi Zondadari, which Cardinal Flavio Chigi built in the seventeenth century.
During the Second World War, the building was heavily damaged, and its restoration was completed in 2009 to become the seat of the Municipality.
The Church of the Madonna overlooks the town's main square and contains a beautiful statue of the Madonna attributed to Andrea della Robbia.
Do not miss a visit to the Horti Leonini. It is an enchanting garden located in the heart of San Quirico d'Orcia.
Built around 1581 on land that Cosimo de 'Medici had donated to Diomede Leonini, the gardens are named after their owner and today constitute a well-preserved example of a classic Italian garden. Walls and holm oaks enclose the park and comprise triangular flower beds bordered by a double boxwood hedge. In the center is the Cosimo III de 'Medici statue, sculpted by Bartolomeo Mazzuoli.
In the vicinity of the gardens, you can see the remains of the Cassero, an ancient medieval tower destroyed during the last war.
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