Castiglione d'Orcia

Castiglione d'Orcia is a village in the province of Siena, Tuscany, set in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, a landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on a hilltop, the village retains its medieval layout, with narrow lanes and a central square named after the painter Lorenzo di Pietro, known as 'il Vecchietta', who was born here. Nearby stands the Rocca a Tentennano, a fortress overlooking the valley from the hamlet of Rocca d'Orcia, offering views across the surrounding hills, wheat fields and the cypress-lined roads typical of the region. The municipal area extends towards neighbouring towns such as San Quirico d'Orcia, Pienza and Bagno Vignoni, the latter known for its thermal springs. The local economy remains tied to agriculture, producing wine under the Orcia DOC label, olive oil and Tuscan pecorino cheese. The climate is Mediterranean continental, with hot, dry summers and cool winters. The area is well suited to walking, cycling and exploring the traditional villages of southern Tuscany, all set within an unspoilt rural landscape.