카스틸리오네 도르시아 최고의 라이딩 경로

It feels like stepping back in time; if you pass by, a coffee at Gianni's, the owner of a small but well-stocked grocery store in the center of town, is a must.

A small paradise in the Tuscan hills, in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, just a few minutes from Pienza....

Spectacular Medieval Village with a wonderful view of the Val D'Orcia

It is really only possible to access the Radicofani tower via Via Marconi, as the original footpath and the small access road are both blocked. It is a bit of a climb, and has 'normal' opening hours and costs about €5 to enter. I would say it is worth it! My vertigo stopped me from going right to the top floor, but even from the next from top, the views over the valley are astounding, and the historical associations are rich.

Arriving about 230 on a Sunday afternoon, the lunch service was theoretically at a close, but they kindly provided me a big plate of pasta (primi piatti from the lunch menu) and a glass of Sardinian beer which revived the spirits considerably.

Tuscan towns seem to divide into 2 categories, those on the "tourist trail" and those not. For some reason Radicofani seems to be "not", even though it is full of present-day charm and (often uncharging) history. It is a stiff climb to get to from the floor of Val d'Orcia, even when cycling while the walking effort is truly epic, but worth it! We stayed in an utterly charming tiny cottage, Casa del Ciliego, and ate in one of the numerous small restaurants - plenty were open, even on a quietist Sun evening. Stocked up in the amazing tiny grocery, hidden away in the ancient 'ghetto' part of the town. You can also buy enough to make a full meal quite easily here.

Interesting, but popular (i.e. crowded and busy) small Tuscan hill town. The walled garden is recommended for the interesting layout, and the statue of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Near the top of the steep descent out of town in the eventual direction of Radicofani, a large Restaurant/cafe/deli is to be found. Good place to have a coffee/breakfast, and to stock up on takeaway pizza for the journey.

Pienza is a little gem...you can't miss visiting it.