Val d’Orcia is a wide valley located in Tuscany, in the province of Siena, north and east of Mount Amiata and close to the border with Umbria. Crossed by the river Orcia in the center, which gives it its name, it is characterized by pleasant landscape views and by various centers of medieval origin, two of which are very well known as Pienza and Montalcino. Characteristic tree is the cypress, typical Pici food and wine, Cinta senese salami, Pecorino di Pienza, Brunello di Montalcino and the new denomination of DOC Orcia wine. The valley is also an important park, natural, artistic and cultural, and since 2 July 2004 it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the excellent state of conservation of the landscape, as produced by an intelligent work of human settlement , which has had a significant influence on many Renaissance artists. The Val d’Orcia is a territory of high tourist interest thanks to the historical-landscape peculiarities as well as characteristic villages such as San Quirico d’Orcia and Castiglione d’Orcia. Wine and food tourism is also particularly developed. The whole area is an important transit point for the pilgrimage routes that still trace the ancient Via Francigena. For some years the Val d’Orcia area has been particularly appreciated thanks to the rediscovery and enhancement of a particular tourism linked to the railway. Through the rediscovery of ancient historical lines no longer active for regular service such as the Asciano-Monte Antico and the execution of historic steam trains, the territory has been made even more accessible and reachable with a different approach that sees the train as a means of transport useful for the enhancement of the territory and for the preservation of a railway and architectural heritage otherwise destined for oblivion and decay.
