The territory of the Val d’Orcia is made up mainly of a hill landscape with gently sloping hills and typical valleys. On the hills, hamlets and isolated monuments of extraordinary charm overlook oak woods, olive groves and vineyards where Brunello is produced. The river Orcia springs from a gorge and winds its way across the valley. The source is in the hills between Radicofani and Sarteano, it then winds progressively westward, skirting the hills of Pienza, San Quirico, Montalcino and Castiglione. At Bagno Vignoni the spa waters rising from the heart of the volcano come powerfully to the surface. For millennia these waters have offered well-being and health to a public willing to travel very long to enjoy them.
Castiglione d’ Orcia marks the boundary between Val d’ Orcia and Monte Amiata forests. The village centre is the square dedicated to the painter and sculptor Lorenzo di Pietro known as Vecchietta, and the square is overlooked by the Town Hall.
The churches are noteworthy. The centre is dominated by the remains of the Aldobrandeschi Fortress and the magnificent Rocca. Pienza now recognised by UNESCO as " World Heritage ", has taken the place of the castle of Corsignano. From 1459 to 1462 the new Pienza saw the creation of the Cathedral of the Assunta and is flanked by the imposing Palazzo Piccolomini whose loggia offers a celebrated panoramic view over Val d’ Orcia; then there are the church of San Francesco, the Town Hall and the Bishop’s Palace. On the northern boundary of the valley there is San Quirico d’Orcia. In the centre, enclosed by walls, you can visit the Collegiate Church of Saint Quirico and Giulietta, Santa Maria di Vitalete, Palazzo Pretorio, the Church of the Misericordia, Palazzo Chigiano and the Horti Leonini. Your visit is completed with the church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Rose Garden and the ancient Scala Hospital.

http://www.valdorcia.it/