Less than 20 km south of Buonconvento is located the small town of San Quirico d’Orcia! As soon as you get here, it is inconceivable to miss a quick walk through its streets and enjoy some of the best wines in the area.
Around the streets of San Quirico d’Orcia
San Quirico is a perfect complement to the area’s tour, being close to the already mentioned Buonconvento, Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulchiano. It is best to use a car for your visit. Few are the tourist towns of Tuscany, where you can take advantage of free parking, but that’s one of them. The parking on Via dei Fossi is very spacious and, most importantly, free of charge!
Leaving the car there, we head to the Santa Maria Assunta church. The church itself combines a simple, but appealing vision. To the side of it is one of the entrances of Horti Leonini – the city gardens. Walking down the streets, we understand that in the Middle Ages the place was a very important stop because of its location. From here passed Via Francigena, which linked northern Europe to Rome. This way was used since the 313th year by the Christians for the pilgrimage of the graves of the Apostles St. Peter and Paul.
Today the city is cut from its main street – via Dante Alighieri. This is where you will find the tourists who come to visit it. Don’t expect crowds here, you will meet 10-20 persons throughout your tour. This will allow you to fully enjoy San Quirico! There are various shops and wineries on the main street, which will invite you to enter and taste all kinds of delicacies. Do not miss them! Buy some bottles of wine… it’s superb.
The square and the church
And somehow following the aroma of wine and local delicacies, we come to the heart of the city – Piazza della Libertà. The small, pretty square combines the charm of Tuscan towns. The yellow houses, the green shutters and the San Francesco church. At the height of the summer, the heat is serious here, and the shady places are missing… But that does not prevent us from enjoying it.
The most famous church and symbol of the city is San Quirico E Giulitta. We reach it again, continuing via via Dante Alighieri. In its present form, the church dates back to the 12th century. The columns of the entrances and sculptures of different animals make an impression.
Here we went around the main street and the main places in San Quirico d’Orcia… not many, but they are worthwhile. After you get tired of taking pictures, visiting shops and tasting wines… there is something very important… Walk around the side streets that reveal beautiful Tuscan landscapes… And the cypresses known for this region… here they are everywhere!
