Introduction
Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a dreamlike landscape where Pecorino di Pienza and Brunello di Montalcino reign supreme.
The area boasts 3 protected-designation products and 3 dishes of the local tradition and 2 UNESCO heritage sites.
Upcoming Events & Festivals
Here are the upcoming events in Val d'Orcia:
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Val d'Orcia:
Benvenuto Brunello
FebbraioMontalcino
Anteprima delle nuove annate del Brunello di Montalcino.
Fiera del Cacio
Prima domenica di settembrePienza
Gara del Cacio Fuso con ruzzole di formaggio nella piazza rinascimentale.
Bravio delle Botti
Ultima domenica di agostoMontepulciano
Corsa delle botti tra le contrade di Montepulciano.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Val d'Orcia represent the excellence of the area:
What to eat in Val d'Orcia
Thick hand-rolled pasta dressed with a garlic and tomato sauce from Val d'Orcia.
Tuscan appetizer featuring chicken liver pâté on toasted bread.
Mixed meat stew from the rural tradition of Val d'Orcia.
Traditions & Culture
Race between contrade (neighborhoods) pushing 80 kg barrels uphill in Montepulciano.
Medieval reenactment and archery competition in Montalcino.
UNESCO Heritage
Iconic rural landscape of Tuscany with cypress trees, farmhouses, and rolling hills.
The 'ideal city' of the Renaissance commissioned by Pope Pius II.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
Protected area featuring the iconic Tuscan landscape with cypress trees and rolling hills.
Historical Figures
Enea Silvio Piccolomini, born in Corsignano, refounded the village as Pienza, the 'ideal city'.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Val d'Orcia are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Curiosities
“Val d'Orcia is the most photographed Tuscan landscape in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004.”
“Brunello di Montalcino must age for at least 5 years (6 for Riserva) before being sold.”
“Pienza was the first 'ideal city' of the Renaissance, built by Pope Pius II in 1459.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What PDO and PGI products are found in Val d'Orcia?expand_more
Val d'Orcia is home to 3 protected designation products, including: Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG), Pecorino di Pienza (PAT), and Zafferano di San Gimignano (DOP).
2What should I eat in Val d'Orcia?expand_more
Typical dishes of Val d'Orcia include: Pici all'aglione, Crostini di fegatini, and Scottiglia. Each dish tells the gastronomic story of the territory.
3What UNESCO World Heritage sites are in Val d'Orcia?expand_more
Val d'Orcia is home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Val d'Orcia (Cultural, 2004) and the Historic Center of Pienza (Cultural, 1996).
4What are the most famous festivals in Val d'Orcia?expand_more
Among the most important festivals and events in Val d'Orcia are: Benvenuto Brunello (Montalcino, February); Fiera del Cacio (Pienza, First Sunday of September); Bravio delle Botti (Montepulciano, Last Sunday of August).
5What natural parks are in Val d'Orcia?expand_more
Protected natural areas in Val d'Orcia include the Parco Artistico Naturale della Val d'Orcia (Regional Park).
6Who organizes the festivals in Val d'Orcia?expand_more
Festivals in Val d'Orcia are organized by local communities such as the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino and Pro Loco Pienza. These Pro Loco associations and local organizations are the guardians of the territory's gastronomic traditions.