Monticchiello. A Town in Tuscany we love
Come and Follow us into Val d’Orcia to a Hidden Gem in Tuscany
Approaching in the car, my first look at Tuscany reveals golden-brown stone farmhouses surrounded by lush, green fields and patches of towering cypress. My heart knows where we are, my soul starts to sing. Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, my favorite place in the world. And, Monticchiello, a town in Tuscany we love.
In the southern part of Tuscany, bordering Val d’Orcia, Monticchiello, Italy, is part of a trio of cities that some might call the “Full Monti” of Italy—Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Monticchiello. Often overlooked for the panoramic hilltop views of Montepulciano, or for the Brunello that draws visitors to Montalcino like a magnet.
Monticchiello is a quiet village of fewer than 200 people that retains its original charm, manifested in well-cared-for cobble-stoned streets and homes, some still owned by the same families for hundreds of years.
Why visit Monticchiello? Three compelling reasons come to mind: 5 Compelling reasons come to mind:
1. Proximity to Val d’Orcia, the most beautiful of the Tuscan landscapes. Have you ever seen the scene with the cypress trees lining the switchback road? That’s Val d’Orcia.
2. Situated between Pienza (less than 7 miles away) and Montepulciano (less than 6 miles), Monticchiello is the perfect launch spot for a quick journey to either town, and access to all other sites in Val d’Orcia, such as LaForce Gardens (less than 9 miles), Montalcino (18 miles), and the spa town of Bagno Vignoni (less than 9). Or better yet, just wander, inspired by the views.
3. Best place to stay. An authentic 400-year-old Tuscan country house offering well-appointed rooms and serving gourmet breakfasts, we recommend Casa di Adelina.
Francesco is a welcoming host who serves five-star (my rating) breakfasts, composed of an assortment of fresh fruit, eggs made-to-order on homemade bread, or possibly even a hazelnut ice-cream sandwich. Waking to the scents of fresh coffee and pastries, guests are served ala carte, not buffet, and each day brings a new surprise.
You may want to let Francesco know you are coming as they are not open all hours. You may contact him at info@lacasadiadelina.it or by phone at +390578755167.
Experience the Italy of old. Contact Information: Casa di’ Adelina. Piazza San Martino 3, 53026 Monticchiello, Pienza Italy $99-$149/night.
Also available is BnB Daria Montichiello, an authentic Italian home featuring more of Daria’s famous cooking at breakfast and a wonderful garden area from which to enjoy your meal or an aperitif.
4. Best Places to Eat. Ristorante Daria. Who says Michelin doesn’t find little gems tucked in small places? Dinner at Daria’s spotlights the fresh tastes of the region in an elegant fashion, just a few minutes’ walk from your room at Casa di Adelina. No taxi or parking worries here. Just enjoy.
Hint: Book before leaving home or you will most likely be turned away. Join Daria for cooking classes as well if you like.
If you are looking for a more informal meal, try La Guardiola, where you can enjoy an aperitif or snack “resting in the shade of a century-old fig tree while tasting the best products of Tuscany” to quote their website. A view of the Val D’Orcia is an added bonus.
Picnic at a local dairy. Caseificio Cugusi Silvana. On the road to Montepulciano, about 13 km from Monticchiello. Gather your basket at the dairy’s shop, which for $2.50 Euros a person includes bread, glasses, cutlery, napkins, and a cutting board. Then, for an additional cost, choose from over 20 types of local Pecorino, Tuscan cold cuts, salads, pickles, jams, honey, and local wines and beers. Head to the picnic tables set along the front of the dairy, or sit in the grass, both overlooking Montepulciano and the Tuscan countryside. An unforgettable experience.
Be sure to email or call ahead – 0578757558 – let them know how many are in your party and the date and approximate time of your arrival.
Reservations are welcome from April 1 to November 1, 10:00 to 18:30.
5. The Charm and Solitude of Montichiello.
You’ve been traveling to the major cities of Tuscany. Florence, Siena, Lucca, Montepulciano, and others can be exhausting. Where can you go to get away from the tourists for a bit, to find solitude in the midst of the beauty surrounding you? This is it!
Montichiello is just the place.
Tiny, friendly, well-kept, and dominated by its parish church in the Roman-Gothic style which dates back to the 13th Century, stepping through the city gates of Montichiello takes you back to old Italy.
The church itself is dedicated to the Saints Leonardo and Cristoforo and boasts frescoes in the style of the Siena School, dating from the 14th and 15th Century, and a rose window that dominates the entrance.
All this and an art studio too?
The best watercolors of the Val D’Orcia (in my opinion) can be found in Montichiello at the Art Studio di Adelina Quadri. Check out the possibilities.
You will love the depictions of the cypresses and the colors and romance of the Val D’Orcia, at affordable prices for your home. Here is the one I took home:
Don’t leave Italy having only seen the big cities and think you’ve seen it all. Visit Monticchiello. Also, for information on driving in Italy visit Is Driving in Italy Easy?
Experience the Italy of old. Contact Information: Casa di’ Adelina. Piazza San Martino 3, 53026 Monticchiello, Pienza Italy $99-$149/night.
Booking info Ristorante Daria. For info and reservations: +39 0578 755170. Daria also offers a BNB
FOR INFORMATION ON PURCHASING TRAVEL PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT:
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