San Quirico d'Orcia
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Latest page update: 23 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in San Quirico d'Orcia
San Quirico d’Orcia offers a fine range of established hotels, reflecting its position at the heart of the Val d’Orcia and its appeal to visitors exploring southern Tuscany. The best-rated options combine charm, comfort and consistently strong guest feedback for quality and service.
Palazzo del Capitano Wellness & Relais is a standout choice, located in a restored 15th-century building with elegant rooms, a garden spa and restaurant, praised for its atmosphere, attention to detail and friendly staff (€€€). Hotel Casa Lemmi offers stylish accommodation opposite the Collegiata, appreciated for its historic character, spacious rooms and warm hospitality (€€). For those seeking a countryside setting just outside the town, Wellness Center Casanova Hotel provides a large spa, pools and restaurant, earning excellent reviews for its facilities, views and professional service (€€€).
Palazzo del Capitano Wellness & Relais is a standout choice, located in a restored 15th-century building with elegant rooms, a garden spa and restaurant, praised for its atmosphere, attention to detail and friendly staff (€€€). Hotel Casa Lemmi offers stylish accommodation opposite the Collegiata, appreciated for its historic character, spacious rooms and warm hospitality (€€). For those seeking a countryside setting just outside the town, Wellness Center Casanova Hotel provides a large spa, pools and restaurant, earning excellent reviews for its facilities, views and professional service (€€€).
Where is
Where is San Quirico d'Orcia?
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The historic town of San Quirico d'Orcia is situated within the Province of Siena and has a population of around 2,500.
Standing at an elevation of 409 metres above sea level, it's located a distance of 114 kilometres south east of Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany. Nearby places of interest include the Val d'Orcia, Pienza, Castiglione d'Orcia and Montalcino. |
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San Quirico d'Orcia and the surrounding area was used as a backdrop for certain scenes in the Gladiator (2000) film starring Russell Crowe. In one such scene, Crowe's character returns home to find his family murdered but it's the beautiful shots of the incomparable Val d'Orcia with its rolling hills and cypress trees that really capture the imagination.
Comune di San Quirico d'Orcia
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Province: Siena
Region: Tuscany Population: 2,600 (in 2024 - source) Size: 42 km² Elevation: 409 metres Close by: Pienza, Castiglione d'Orcia, Montalcino |
What People Ask About San Quirico d'Orcia
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Discover
Discover San Quirico d'Orcia
San Quirico d’Orcia is a walled town in the Province of Siena, located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves and cypress-lined roads, it occupies a central position along the ancient Via Francigena route. The town’s layout is medieval in origin, with narrow streets, stone façades and small squares that reflect its former importance as a stop for pilgrims travelling between Siena and Rome.
Among its principal landmarks are the Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta, the Horti Leonini gardens, and the Church of San Francesco, all set within walking distance of the main street. The town’s harmonious architecture and quiet atmosphere make it one of the most recognisable places in Val d’Orcia. From San Quirico d’Orcia, roads lead directly to Pienza, Montalcino, and Bagno Vignoni, each contributing to the region’s cultural and natural identity.
Among its principal landmarks are the Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta, the Horti Leonini gardens, and the Church of San Francesco, all set within walking distance of the main street. The town’s harmonious architecture and quiet atmosphere make it one of the most recognisable places in Val d’Orcia. From San Quirico d’Orcia, roads lead directly to Pienza, Montalcino, and Bagno Vignoni, each contributing to the region’s cultural and natural identity.
Things to Do
Things to Do in San Quirico d'Orcia
- Centro Storico di San Quirico d’Orcia is a beautiful medieval town where narrow stone streets weave among noble palaces, arched gateways, and terracotta rooftops. Stone façades, wooden shutters, and flowering balconies bring warmth and elegance to the traditional architecture. The town sits on a gentle hill in southern Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, surrounded by iconic rolling landscapes and cypress-lined roads. Its atmosphere blends quiet village life with a rich sense of history and artistic beauty.
- Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta stands proudly in San Quirico, with a Romanesque façade adorned by sculpted portals and decorative arches. Inside are graceful columns, stone carvings, and fine artworks reflecting centuries of devotion. The church remains central to religious life and cultural events. It’s an inspiring and peaceful place to visit while exploring the town.
- Piazza della Libertà serves as the social and cultural heart of San Quirico d’Orcia, edged with elegant buildings, artisan shops, and inviting cafés. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, festivals, and relaxed conversations. Outdoor seating offers views of medieval façades and glimpses of the surrounding hills. The square reflects the lively yet gentle rhythm of life in this Tuscan town.
- Horti Leonini lie just inside the town walls, a Renaissance garden laid out in symmetrical geometric patterns and shaded by tall trees. Paths wind through neatly trimmed hedges and open lawns, offering quiet corners and lovely views. Visiting is both relaxing and visually delightful. It’s a highlight for lovers of gardens and history alike.
- Guided historical and landscape tours in San Quirico d’Orcia explore medieval lanes, panoramic viewpoints, and nearby trails through the Val d’Orcia. Local guides share stories about pilgrim routes, noble families, and the artistic heritage of the region. Tours often include tastings of local wines, olive oil, and traditional Tuscan dishes. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the cultural richness and breathtaking scenery of southern Tuscany.
Tours and Activities
San Quirico d'Orcia Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in San Quirico d'Orcia
Dining in San Quirico d’Orcia captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine, with small trattorias and wine bars lining the stone streets of the historic centre. Many restaurants occupy centuries-old buildings with views across the Val d’Orcia, creating a setting that complements the region’s rustic flavours. The atmosphere is relaxed and traditional, and meals are often enjoyed slowly, accompanied by local wine. Lunch is usually served between 12:30 and 14:30, with dinner beginning from about 19:30.
Local cuisine focuses on ingredients from the surrounding countryside, including pecorino cheese, olive oil, and wild herbs. Typical dishes include pici all’aglione (handmade pasta with garlic and tomato sauce), tagliata di manzo (sliced beef with rosemary), and zuppa di pane (Tuscan bread soup). Local wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso d’Orcia, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are widely available, typically €6–€8 by the glass or €20–€35 per bottle.
Popular dishes are typically priced as follows: antipasto toscano (€10–€14), pici all’aglione (€13–€17), tagliata di manzo (€22–€30), and crostata di marmellata (€5–€6). A typical meal with wine costs around €35–€45 per person.
Local cuisine focuses on ingredients from the surrounding countryside, including pecorino cheese, olive oil, and wild herbs. Typical dishes include pici all’aglione (handmade pasta with garlic and tomato sauce), tagliata di manzo (sliced beef with rosemary), and zuppa di pane (Tuscan bread soup). Local wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso d’Orcia, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are widely available, typically €6–€8 by the glass or €20–€35 per bottle.
Popular dishes are typically priced as follows: antipasto toscano (€10–€14), pici all’aglione (€13–€17), tagliata di manzo (€22–€30), and crostata di marmellata (€5–€6). A typical meal with wine costs around €35–€45 per person.
Photo Gallery
San Quirico d'Orcia Photo Gallery
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to San Quirico d'Orcia
By Rail: San Quirico d’Orcia does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is in Buonconvento (around 20 kilometres away), located on the Siena–Grosseto line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains from Buonconvento connect to Siena in about 25 minutes and to Grosseto in roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. From the station, San Quirico d’Orcia can be reached by car, taxi, or local bus via the SP137 and SR2 roads.
By Road: The town is situated in the Val d’Orcia area of southern Tuscany. From Siena, the distance is approximately 45 kilometres, with a driving time of around 50 minutes via the SR2 Cassia road. From Florence, it is about 115 kilometres and takes roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes, while from Rome the journey is around 190 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. There are several parking areas close to the historic centre, making it convenient for visitors exploring on foot.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is situated in the Val d’Orcia area of southern Tuscany. From Siena, the distance is approximately 45 kilometres, with a driving time of around 50 minutes via the SR2 Cassia road. From Florence, it is about 115 kilometres and takes roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes, while from Rome the journey is around 190 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. There are several parking areas close to the historic centre, making it convenient for visitors exploring on foot.
Nearest International Airports:
- Florence Peretola Airport: Located about 125 kilometres from San Quirico d’Orcia, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 50 minutes. It offers frequent connections to major European and domestic destinations.
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Approximately 190 kilometres away, the journey takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes. It provides a wide selection of domestic, European, and seasonal international flights.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport: Roughly 190 kilometres from San Quirico d’Orcia, with a driving time of around 2 hours and 40 minutes. It is Italy’s largest international airport, offering extensive long-haul and global connections.
Private Transfers
San Quirico d'Orcia Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and reliable way to reach San Quirico d’Orcia or travel onwards to other towns and cities across Tuscany. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven directly to your destination by a professional driver, ensuring a smooth journey without the need to navigate public transport.
From San Quirico d’Orcia, transfers can connect you with Florence Airport, Perugia Airport, and Rome Fiumicino Airport for onward travel. They are also convenient for visiting nearby destinations such as Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, and Montalcino, or for exploring the wider Val d’Orcia region and its scenic routes.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From San Quirico d’Orcia, transfers can connect you with Florence Airport, Perugia Airport, and Rome Fiumicino Airport for onward travel. They are also convenient for visiting nearby destinations such as Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, and Montalcino, or for exploring the wider Val d’Orcia region and its scenic routes.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
