VAL D’ORCIA
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.