Archive for 'Orcia Valley'

  

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Russell Crowe in "Gladiator"
Ridley Scott’s Academy-Award winning, "Gladiator" is one of the most iconic films to come out in the past twenty years. Though set in Rome, the movie was filmed in England, Morocco and Malta with reconstructions of Ancient Roman cities and sights made specially for the production. However, two of the key scenes from the film were actually filmed in the Orcia Valley in Tuscany. This beautiful and serene landscape which has inspired poets and artists alike for thousands of years was the perfect setting for idyllic scenes that contrasted the chaos and violence of the gladiatorial battles of the film.     Read More
Posted in: Books and Movies, Localities, Orcia Valley, Tourist Attractions, Unesco World Heritage Sites

  

Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Cetona town
Cetona is a comune and town in the south of Siena, where Umbria and Lazio meet. Its landscape is mountainous and distinctive, providing wonderful vistas across the area. Visitors to Cetona will want to make sure to find time for the Naturalistic Archaeological Park of Belvedere, where they can experience the historical and archaeological heritage of the area alongside its natural beauty. For those who really can't get enough of the area and how lovely it is, they can also trek up Mount Cetona. Topped by a medieval castle, it only heightens the already picturesque nature of the landscape. If you're looking for the ultimate fairytale-style setting for your next holiday, this is just the place. Find a villa near town in Cetona and discover its beauty for yourself.     Read More
Posted in: Localities, Orcia Valley

  

Thursday, July 9, 2015
View of San Quirico d'Orcia
The Horti Leonini in the town of San Quirico d'Orcia, Siena, is a late 16th century park. It was created according to the direction of Diomede Leoni (for whom it is named) with funding and the donation of lands by Francesco de' Medici. Built as part of a scheme of renovation in the town after damages caused during wars between Siena and Florence, it is an oasis of beauty. Wonderfully well-preserved, the gardens have maintained their original appearance and provide a perfect example of an Italian style garden. If you are interested in landscape architecture, Italian history or gardens, this is sure to prove both stunning and fascinating. Why not find a luxury villa in Siena and spend some time wandering the grounds?     Read More
Posted in: Localities, Orcia Valley, Parks & Gardens, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, January 6, 2015
street in Monticchiello
Embark on a delightful day trip to the medieval hilltop village of Monticchiello in Val d’Orcia.

This Tuscan village has records of it dating as far back as 973 and passed under the ownership of many territories through the centuries.

Choose from a stunning range of villas in Val d'Orcia where you can enjoy the best of peaceful scenery and leisurely day trips to its towns and villages including Monticchiello.     Read More
Posted in: Castles & Palaces, Day Trips, Localities, Orcia Valley, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, July 9, 2014
View of Piancastagnaio
Witness the entertaining ‘Befanate Befanotti’ festival in the town of Piancastagnaio on the 5th January! Groups of local men dress up in old rags called befanotti and dirty their faces to look like beggars.

They then go from house to house offering to sing a lively begging song in exchange for gifts like food or money. Afterwards the jolly men gather together in the main square to divide up their earnings and eat some food while they laugh and chatter together. This unusual tradition is great fun to watch!

Choose from a great range of vacation villa rentals in Radicofani, only eight kilometres from Piancastagnaio and enjoy a selection of exciting festivals that occur locally around this time.     Read More
Posted in: Events, February, January, Localities, Orcia Valley