Val d'Orcia! - The Bill Beaver Project

What is it?	The valley of the Orcia River, famed for its Renaissance landscapes!
What makes it wonderful?	In many ways, this region defines our image of Tuscany: cypress-lined lanes, rolling hills of farmland, hilltop towns! During the Renaissance, it became the center of a type of landscaping meant to blend nature with human buildings, a lot like the Chinese technique of jièjǐng, and was painted to great acclaim by the Sienese School of Art between the 13th and 15th centuries! Today, the core of the Val d’Orcia consists of the towns of Castiglione d’Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza, Radicofani and San Quirico d’Orcia! It is also home to beautiful portions of two historic roads: Via Cassia, a Roman road leading to Northern Italy, and Via Francigena, a pilgrimage route leading to St. Peter’s Basilica!
How can I Help the Helpers?	HERE’S HOW: Volunteer with the World Heritage Volunteers! Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
Where is this place?	Visit any of the towns of Castiglione d’Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza, Radicofani, or San Quirico d’Orcia! From Firenze: ~73mi (118km) — 1.3hrs From Napoli: ~245mi (395km) — 4.1hrs From Roma: ~108mi (174km) — 1.8hrs From Venezia: ~209mi (337km) — 3.5hrs
When should I go?	Whenever the mood strikes you!

The Bill Beaver Project