Radicofani - Italian comune

Radicofani is a city in the Val d'Orcia region of Tuscany, Italy. Positioned at the southern edge of the province of Siena, bordering with Lazio and Umbria, it sits on top of the mountain of Radicofani. Already known during the Roman Empire, it is along the Cassia Road, halfway between Roma and Florence. Locally known for its pastures and meadows, Radicofani gives the best sheep's milk to produce pecorino di Toscano cheese.

Together with Castiglione d'Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia, Radicofani forms the "Val d'Orcia" that from the year 2004 is a UNESCO World Heritage site

Get in

There is no public transport to Radicofani; a car is most appropriate.

Get around

By car

See

• The Fortress. Daily 09:00-19:00. Home of the fierce warrior Ghino di Tacco, known as the Robin Hood of Val d'Orcia (named also in the "Divina Commedia" – Inferno Cantico III) – last stronghold to defend Siena from the Florentine take over in 1566. On a nice clear day, from the top of the tower, you can see the top of the tower in Siena.
• The Church of Saint Peter. Dominating the piazza it is a great and refined Romanesque example of the past civilization, with important frescoes and with fine interior and marble floors
• Theater.
• The Medicean Villa. Built by Ferdianndo I° de Medeci. Built as a Postal station, hald way between Roma & Firenze, along the antique Cassia road (SSR 2) in a beautiful position with views over the valley del Paglia.
• The Via Francigena. Radicofani lies along the old pilgrimage road where the Archbishop of Canterbury walked by in 995/999 before the supposed end of the world in the year 1000. This is the same road where Carlo Magno passed by with his army and was caught ill (the legend says that he did not die due to a special herb from Monte Amiata); he then continued his conquering up north (c. 860 AD).

Do

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

• Fattoria La Palazzina. 3 miles from Radicofani, secluded amongst centuries-old cypresses and oak trees; panoramic swimming pool with breathtaking views over Val d'Orcia and beyond. 11 nicely decorated rooms and three apartments, all in a very Tuscan context and style. Outside activities: horseriding and tennis courts at 2 miles, walks, hiking, mountain bike, jogging, large gardens, olive trees, fruit trees, cooking courses, wine and cheese tasting, own production of extra-virgin olive oil.; restaurant with fresh pasta every day, Tuscan and local specialities, own garden vegetables, barbeque.

Go next

Visit Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, Abbadia San Salvatore, Montepulciano, Montalcino, San Quirico d'Orcia, San Casciano dei Bagni, Cetona. Cities of Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto, Civita di BagnoRegio.