The historical events of this extreme part of Siena's province were numerous
and complicated, as testify the numerous castles an surrounding heights. The
history of
Orcia Valley identifles with that one of its small towns, the
important events took place there between Middle Ages and Renaissance. After
having suffered the barbaric invasions' influence, in
Orcia Valley had
great importance the rule from Siena, as testify the biggest works realized
between 1200 and 1500. In Montalcino there was the Sienese Republic settlement;
in Pienza, papal town, the Pope Piccolomini with the architect Rossellino
restored important works in the Renaissance period: the first rational example
of a town-planning structuring.
Territory and landscape
The valley, risen after the Apennines chain's formation, is very picturesque
besides the morphology also for the colours. Characteristic is the presence of
calanques, result of the erosion caused by rain, wind and frost, on the clay
of the hills. In spring the ashen-grey colour of clay is shading into green
from the most various gradations; in summer into the brightest and most golden
yellow of the stubbles.
Orcia Valley, for its wonderful landscapes offered by
its fertile plain, by the picturesque hills where its crowded centres are
located, is the paradise of painters and photographers, the aim of visitors
coming from everywhere.
At
Orcia Valley, there is tourist accommodation available in hotels, agriturismos, residence self-catering accommodation, b&b, rooms for rent, holiday homes, camp sites and tourist villages.
