Campiglia d'Orcia: Historic Townscape and Routes in the Val d'Orcia

Historic Townscape and Preserved Buildings

Campiglia d'Orcia still preserves the urban layout it acquired before the year 1000. The southern gate of the ancient town wall of Campiglia d'Orcia has also survived to this day. Among the notable historic sites is La Torre della Campigliola. The tower is the only surviving remnant of the Rocca di Campigliola, also known as Campigliaccia, an old observation fortification built in the valley to control the ancient Via Francigena.

The ruins of La Torre della Campigliola can only be reached from Campiglia d'Orcia on foot, following the signposts from the town. The old road lined with dry-stone walls between the Campigliola fortification and the centre of Campiglia d'Orcia is now a hiking trail. The historic connection therefore continues through the landscape as a separate route, without equating the ruins with the town centre.

Urban Trekking and Walks

The urban trekking route in Campiglia d'Orcia starts at Piazza Unità Italiana, also known as Piazza della Fonte Maggiore, and has an elevation difference of more than 100 metres. The urban trekking route in Campiglia d'Orcia is a leisurely walk of approximately 2 km to monuments and viewpoints in the Val d'Orcia. The trekking trail through Campiglia d'Orcia uses 20 panels to explain the history of the town from its medieval origins through more recent urban changes and to pass on local traditions.

The walk from Campiglia d'Orcia to Bagni San Filippo passes through chestnut woods and over natural terraces in the Val d'Orcia. Above Campiglia d'Orcia, a bell tower stands on a limestone formation. The bell tower can be reached via a path and offers views across the entire Val d'Orcia and large parts of the Amiata Senese.

Attractions Around Campiglia d'Orcia

La Scala, a historic site, is located in the immediate vicinity of Campiglia d'Orcia. The Abbazia di San Salvatore, a monastery, is located in the area around Campiglia d'Orcia. Monte Nebbiali, a mountain, is also located in the immediate vicinity of Campiglia d'Orcia. The area around Campiglia d'Orcia also includes Monte Amiata, Monte Cucco and Monte Calcinaio, each a mountain. Palazzo Piccolomini is located in the area around Campiglia d'Orcia and is a palace.

In the wider regional area around Campiglia d'Orcia lies the Museo della Tortura di Montepulciano, a museum. The various attractions thus range from historic sites, a monastery and a palace to mountains and a museum, with each place retaining its own name and classification.

Festa del Marrone

During the Festa del Marrone, the characteristic streets and lanes of Campiglia d'Orcia are decorated with displays on historical or religious themes. People in costume recount old legends or sing stornelli. In this way, the preserved townscape also takes on a special cultural character during the festival.

To the main travel overview: Castiglione d'Orcia.