Hello everyone and welcome back to our blog dedicated to the beauties of Tuscany!
Today, we continue our journey from Montalcino, passing through the picturesque hills of San Quirico d’Orcia and the charming chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta, heading towards Pienza.
San Quirico d’Orcia and the Circle of Cypress Trees
After exploring Montalcino, we recommend driving to San Quirico d’Orcia, a place that will enchant you with its cobblestone streets and breathtaking landscapes. One of the main attractions in this area is the road
lined with cypress trees arranged in a circle, known as the “Cypress Trees of San Quirico d’Orcia.” These trees create a unique and picturesque scenery that seems like it’s straight out of a postcard. The cypress trees grow in a circular formation, creating a magical and highly popular environment, especially as a place for unique photo opportunities. This is indeed the perfect place to capture breathtaking photos and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside. The rolling green hills that surround the cypress trees make this setting even more enchanting.
The Chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta
Continuing along the road, you will come across the chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta, another architectural and spiritual gem of Tuscany. Once parked, after a short 10-minute walk, you will find this small Renaissance-style chapel dating back to 1590.
The chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta is famous for its simple yet elegant beauty. It is situated in a panoramic location, surrounded by green fields and colorful poppies during the spring and summer.
Local Cuisine in San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza
After admiring the beauty of the cypress trees and the chapel, it’s time to explore San Quirico d’Orcia and the surrounding towns, such as Pienza, renowned for their high-quality culinary products. Here, you can savor the Pecorino cheeses of Pienza, famous worldwide for their unique flavor. You can enjoy them on their own or paired with local honey for an extraordinary taste experience. Additionally, you can indulge in traditional Tuscan dishes such as pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, and tagliata di manzo (sliced beef) accompanied by a glass of Brunello di Montalcino. We recommend the restaurant “Lo Sperone Nudo,” located in the center of Pienza, in a picturesque square. The service is excellent, and the ingredients are of top quality.
This concludes the second part of our journey in Val d’Orcia. Visiting these enchanting places and savoring delicious Tuscan cuisine will make your trip to Tuscany even more memorable!
See you in our next article, in which we will talk about Siena.
We look forward to welcoming you to Le Dune!
