Hi all,

Someone's suggested Castiglione d'Orcia as a good place to stay close to and drive in for restaurants/shopping for one of our winter sojourn weeks in January. Anyone been there? Any experiences/good restaurants/facilities etc?

Cheers and thanks

Sue

Hello Sue-

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Hi Susan,

Yes, I have been to Castiglione d'Orcia, and the neighboring town underneath the Rocca d'Orcia. I would say these are quiet and quaint areas, certianly well-located, but not the most exciting in terms of shopping, cafes or things to do... We visited the place on one of our last days in Montichiello and then we went to the Bagno Vignoni Marcucci Hotel thermal pool, which was a nice treat and has a lovely view of the Rocca.

I would say that staying in the area is good, but I wouldn't rely only on castiglione for your entertainment. I will try to identify and compress a few of our photos so you can have a look. I still haven't gotten around to putting up a photo album for my Italy trip. I have over 2000 digital snaps that need to be sorted through... it is daunting. But I will post a couple for you...

There are better options in that area for a base location. San Quirico, Bagno Vignoni, and Montalcino as are very close and would be my choices.

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There are better options in that area for a base location. San Quirico, Bagno Vignoni, and Montalcino as are very close and would be my choices.

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Not a bad suggestion. All of those three are higher priorities, visit-wise.
And having been to all three, San Quirico would have to be my favorite... even before Montalcino.

Is this where Joanna lives/will live soon?

Sarah,
I have not been to San Quirico...but will be soon. I would love to hear what you have to say about it. I have read a bit on Montalcino...just finished "Vanilla Beans in brodo".Thanks!

We keep going back to that area of Southern Tuscany as the surrounding towns have so much to offer in terms of food, wine, history, etc... One recommendation in Montalcino is the Palazzo Cesira a very beautifully restored small hotel run by Lucilla and Roberto (actually Robert from Rhode Island!).

Paul C

Yes, jnini, I bought a house in Castiglione just beyond the Rocca. The town is perfectly medieval, but not exactly jumpin'- which is why I think I'm going to love living there.

San Quirico d'Orcia or Monticchiello are better tourist bases. And Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano are probably the most popular places. I love tiny Bagno Vignoni, too.

One too many glasses of wine make the drive up SS323 a bit daunting, especially in winter. And negotiating the alley to the three room inn at the Rocca would be a real feat of daring do. There is a lovely inn at the bottom of 323 just off the Cassia that would be a treat (unless of course you plan on renting a place.) It's the Hotel Osteria dell'Orcia -4 stars- and wonderful location.

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I have not been to San Quirico...but will be soon. I would love to hear what you have to say about it.

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Okay, so here is a photo of the main square when you walk into town from the gate out by the parking road. We went this last time on a gorgeous sunny day. There is a lovely park along the wall to your right. In front you see a more modern church, but the highlight of San Quirico d'Orcia is the Collegiata. I love Romanesque architecture, so that was memorable for me. The town is quite small, but warm, and, unlike other hill towns, gives a less exposed feeling, kind of like Pienza does for me. (I don't care for wind.) We just liked tooling around the few streets, admiring the care with which people decorate their house with colorful potted plants or mop the ground outside the doorstep. There were a few kitties to pet (a plus for me) and there were signs of real life happening at the bar in the photo--people reading their newspaper, having a cappuccino, greeting eachother. So that is why I liked it so much.

Sarah,
Beautful image of this area.
Thanks you so much for your imput.
I love your appreciation of this place, you brought it to life for me!
Best,
Philip

Wow, thanks for the great info. Castiglione's now off the list except for visiting purposes on this trip anyway. I will investigate all the options people have suggested. Many thanks to you all!
Sue

That is what I thought, Joanna. I figured you could provide some expert info! After NY, it will be a nice respite.

Have a great trip, by the way.