Montalcino sits on top of a steep hill with acres of olive groves and vineyards surrounding it. It was heavily fortified behind defensive walls and an imposing 14th century fortress topped with tall lookout towers built in 1361 to a pentagonal plan. It is famous for the production of Brunello di Montalcino. My favorite! Fields of Sunflowers cover the breathtaking countryside from Siena to Monte
The entrance to this village is through the Porta Sant’Agata (know as the 'city gate') and offers absolutely stunning views across the valley to Pienza from its perch high on a hill overlooking a magnificent valley. This extraordinarily beautiful region of Tuscany, the Val d’Orcia, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. Montichiello is a perfectly restored village set among the 15th century
Pienza is a small town located in the Val D'Orcia, (2004 UNESCO World Cultural Landscapes) in the southeastern area of Tuscany. Situated between Montepulciano and Montalcino and South of Siena it is an easy day trip if your home base is anywhere in Tuscany. In 1996, UNESCO made the center of Pienza a World Heritage Site. I recently learned exactly what this means: "considering that
