Campiglia d'Orcia: History and Trails in the Val d'Orcia

Campiglia d'Orcia combines a well-preserved historic townscape with trails through the Val d'Orcia and distinctive viewpoints. The southern gate of the ancient city wall is still preserved today. At the same time, the town retains the urban layout it acquired before the year 1000. During a stay, visible history, leisurely walks, and far-reaching landscape experiences come together.

Discover the town's history on foot

La Torre della Campigliola is the only surviving remnant of the Rocca di Campigliola, also known as Campigliaccia. This old observation fortification was built in the valley to control the ancient Via Francigena. The ruin can only be reached on foot from Campiglia d'Orcia, following the signs from the town. The approach itself is therefore part of the trails that make the historical connection between the town and the fortification visible.

The old road lined with dry-stone walls between the Campigliola fortification and the town center of Campiglia d'Orcia is now a hiking trail. The urban trekking route begins at Piazza Unità Italiana, also known as Piazza della Fonte Maggiore, and leads on a leisurely walk of approximately 2 km to monuments and viewpoints in the Val d'Orcia. The elevation gain is more than 100 meters. When planning your day for urban trekking in Campiglia d'Orcia, you should take the approximate trail length and the elevation gain of more than 100 meters into account in advance.

The hiking trail through Campiglia d'Orcia uses 20 information panels. They explain the town's history from its medieval origins to more recent urban changes and pass on local traditions.

Views and destinations in the surrounding area

A bell tower stands on the limestone formation above Campiglia d'Orcia. It can be reached via a path and offers views across the entire Val d'Orcia and large parts of the Amiata Senese.

La Scala, a historic site, lies in the immediate surroundings of Campiglia d'Orcia. The surrounding area also includes the Abbazia di San Salvatore, a monastery; Monte Nebbiali, Monte Amiata, Monte Cucco, and Monte Calcinaio, each a mountain; and the Palazzo Piccolomini, a palace. In the wider regional surroundings of Campiglia d'Orcia lies the Museo della Tortura di Montepulciano, a museum.

Townscape and local traditions

During the Festa del Marrone, the characteristic streets and alleys of Campiglia d'Orcia are decorated with displays on historical or religious themes. People in costume recount old legends or sing stornelli.

The walk from Campiglia d'Orcia to Bagni San Filippo also expands the range of activities: it leads through chestnut forests and across natural terraces in the Val d'Orcia. Depending on your interests, this allows you to combine local history, trails through the landscape, and other destinations.

Other destinations at the same level of the hierarchy include Bagni San Filippo, Vivo d'Orcia.

For the overview of the higher-level travel destination: Castiglione d'Orcia.