San Quirico d'Orcia
Latest page update: 17 February 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The quaint village of San Quirico d'Orcia in Tuscany's province of Siena boasts a population of around 2,500 residents.
Nestled in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, it is renowned for its medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and ancient city walls. The village is famous for its beautiful gardens, including the Horti Leonini, and its proximity to iconic towns such as Pienza. |
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San Quirico d'Orcia: home of the Horti Leonini
With its position in the enchanting Val d'Orcia, San Quirico d'Orcia is a picturesque Tuscan town renowned for its medieval charm and stunning landscapes. Explore the cobblestone streets of the historic centre, where ancient stone buildings and quaint shops exude a timeless elegance. Admire the architectural beauty of the Collegiate Church of San Quirico and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Discover the town's artistic heritage at the Art Gallery and the Horti Leonini, a Renaissance garden. Nearby, the rolling hills and vineyards of the Val d'Orcia invite leisurely walks and wine tasting experiences amidst breathtaking scenery. San Quirico d'Orcia promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Discover the town's artistic heritage at the Art Gallery and the Horti Leonini, a Renaissance garden. Nearby, the rolling hills and vineyards of the Val d'Orcia invite leisurely walks and wine tasting experiences amidst breathtaking scenery. San Quirico d'Orcia promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Comune di San Quirico d'Orcia
Province: Siena
Region: Tuscany Population: 2,581 (in 2024 - source) Size: 42 km² Elevation: 409 metres Close by: Pienza, Castiglione d'Orcia, Montalcino Recommended stay: Hotel Palazzo del Capitano Wellness & Relais |
What are the best things to do in San Quirico d'Orcia and the local area?
- Bagno Vignoni: Explore the ancient thermal village of Bagno Vignoni, known for its thermal baths dating back to Roman times. Visitors can stroll around the historic square, which is filled with natural hot springs and surrounded by medieval buildings.
- San Quirico d'Orcia Collegiate Church: Visit the Collegiate Church of San Quirico d'Orcia, an architectural gem featuring a beautiful Romanesque facade and intricate marble decorations. Visitors can admire the church's interior adorned with frescoes and sculptures.
- Val d'Orcia Natural Park: Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Val d'Orcia Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages. Visitors can hike or bike through the park's trails, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
- Montalcino: Take a short drive to the nearby town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. Visitors can explore the medieval streets, visit historic wineries for tastings, and enjoy panoramic views from the town's fortress.
- Pienza: Visit the charming hilltop town of Pienza, known for its Renaissance architecture and delicious pecorino cheese. Visitors can wander through the town's narrow streets, admire the panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia, and sample local cheese at artisanal shops.
- Wine Tasting Tours: Experience the renowned wines of the Val d'Orcia region with wine tasting tours at local wineries. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, while learning about the winemaking process and terroir of the area.
Where should I eat in San Quirico d'Orcia?
- Osteria del Cardinale: Located in the historic center of San Quirico d'Orcia, Osteria del Cardinale is a cozy restaurant known for its authentic Tuscan dishes and warm hospitality. The menu features classic favorites such as pici pasta with wild boar ragu, ribollita soup, and bistecca alla fiorentina, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
- La Botte Piena: This family-run trattoria offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu focused on traditional Tuscan recipes. La Botte Piena is known for its homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seasonal specialties. Guests can enjoy their meal in the rustic dining room or on the outdoor terrace with views of the surrounding countryside.
- Osteria Perilla: Tucked away on a quiet street in San Quirico d'Orcia, Osteria Perilla is a hidden gem known for its creative takes on classic Tuscan dishes. The menu changes regularly to highlight the freshest local ingredients, but guests can expect to find inventive dishes such as homemade ravioli with pecorino cheese and honey, and roasted pigeon with seasonal vegetables.
- Trattoria Osenna: With its welcoming atmosphere and hearty Tuscan fare, Trattoria Osenna is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant serves a variety of pasta dishes, grilled meats, and appetizers, all prepared with care and attention to detail. Guests can dine indoors in the cozy dining room or outdoors on the terrace.
- Osteria La Porta: While technically located just outside of San Quirico d'Orcia in the nearby village of Bagno Vignoni, Osteria La Porta is well worth a visit for its excellent food and stunning views of the Val d'Orcia. The restaurant specializes in creative interpretations of traditional Tuscan cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers.
San Quirico d'Orcia Gallery
What are the best places to stay in San Quirico d'Orcia?
- Adler Spa Resort Thermae: Located just outside of San Quirico d'Orcia, Adler Spa Resort Thermae is a luxurious spa resort offering elegant accommodations and thermal baths fed by natural hot springs. The resort features spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, a wellness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and multiple restaurants serving gourmet cuisine.
- Locanda del Loggiato: Situated in the historic center of San Quirico d'Orcia, Locanda del Loggiato is a charming boutique hotel set in a renovated medieval building. The hotel offers cozy rooms with traditional Tuscan decor, a restaurant serving regional dishes, and a garden terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Podere Salicotto: Located just outside of San Quirico d'Orcia, Podere Salicotto is a beautiful agriturismo set in a restored farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The agriturismo offers comfortable rooms and apartments, a swimming pool, a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine, and wine tastings featuring the estate's own wines.
- La Casa di Adelina: Situated in the countryside near San Quirico d'Orcia, La Casa di Adelina is a cozy bed and breakfast offering comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the Val d'Orcia. The bed and breakfast features charming rooms with rustic decor, a garden terrace, and homemade breakfast served daily.
- Palazzo del Capitano Wellness & Relais: Located in the nearby town of San Quirico d'Orcia, Palazzo del Capitano Wellness & Relais is a boutique hotel housed in a historic palace dating back to the 15th century. The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with antique furnishings, a wellness center with a Turkish bath and sauna, and a garden courtyard with a swimming pool.
What's the closest airport to San Quirico d'Orcia?
Florence Airport (Peretola Airport):
Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport):
- Located approximately 140 kilometers away from San Quirico d'Orcia.
- From Florence Airport, you can rent a car and drive to San Quirico d'Orcia. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station and then continue by train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme Train Station. From there, you can take a taxi or local bus to San Quirico d'Orcia.
Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport):
- Located approximately 190 kilometers away from San Quirico d'Orcia.
- From Pisa Airport, you can rent a car and drive to San Quirico d'Orcia. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Pisa Centrale Train Station and then continue by train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme Train Station. From there, you can take a taxi or local bus to San Quirico d'Orcia.
What's the closest train station to San Quirico d'Orcia?
Chiusi-Chianciano Terme Train Station:
- Located approximately 45 kilometers away from San Quirico d'Orcia.
- From Chiusi-Chianciano Terme Train Station, you can take a taxi or local bus to San Quirico d'Orcia.
What private transfer options are there for San Quirico d'Orcia?
A private transfer from Florence Airport to San Quirico d'Orcia takes around one hour 45 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit San Quirico d'Orcia?
- Pienza: Pienza is a nearby town located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of San Quirico d'Orcia. While Pienza itself is also small, it may have car rental options available.
- Montepulciano: Montepulciano is another nearby town, situated approximately 20 kilometers north of San Quirico d'Orcia. It's larger than San Quirico and may have car rental agencies or access to rental services.
- Siena: Siena is a larger city located about 50 kilometers northwest of San Quirico d'Orcia. It's a major tourist destination and likely has several car rental agencies in the city center or at Siena's train station.