Holiday apartment in Campiglia d'Orcia: history and trails

Campiglia d'Orcia combines a historic village layout that remains recognisable today with trails through the landscape of the Val d'Orcia. The southern gate of the ancient town wall has been preserved. The village has also retained the urban layout it acquired before the year 1000. This creates a destination where history is present not only in individual buildings, but also in the structure of the village itself.

Traces of the Via Francigena and old village trails

A notable link to the region's history is La Torre della Campigliola. It is the only surviving remnant of the Rocca di Campigliola, also known as Campigliaccia, an old observation fortification built in the valley to control the ancient Via Francigena. You can reach the ruins from Campiglia d'Orcia only on foot, following the signs from the village. The old road between the Campigliola fortification and the village centre, lined with dry-stone walls, is now a hiking trail.

Trekking between monuments and viewpoints

The urban trekking route in Campiglia d'Orcia starts at Piazza Unità Italiana, also known as Piazza della Fonte Maggiore, and has an elevation difference of more than 100 metres. At around 2 km long, it is a leisurely walk to monuments and viewpoints in the Val d'Orcia. The associated trekking trail through the village uses 20 information boards: they explain Campiglia's history from its medieval origins to more recent urban changes and pass on local traditions.

Landscape between the Val d'Orcia and Amiata Senese

A bell tower stands on the limestone formation above Campiglia d'Orcia. It can be reached via a trail and offers views across the entire Val d'Orcia as well as large parts of the Amiata Senese. Another trail leads from Campiglia d'Orcia to Bagni San Filippo, passing through chestnut woods and over natural terraces in the Val d'Orcia.

Historic sites and mountains in the surrounding area

La Scala, a historic site, is located near Campiglia d'Orcia. The surrounding area also includes the Abbazia di San Salvatore, a monastery, and the Palazzo Piccolomini, a palace. Monte Nebbiali, Monte Amiata, Monte Cucco and Monte Calcinaio are also located nearby; each of these names refers to a mountain. Further afield in the region is the Museo della Tortura di Montepulciano, a museum.

Tradition in the streets and lanes

During the Festa del Marrone, the characteristic streets and lanes of Campiglia d'Orcia are decorated with performances on historical or religious themes. People in costume recount old legends or sing Stornelli. This event adds an explicitly narrative dimension to the village's buildings and trails.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Campiglia d'Orcia, you can use your own travel plans to decide whether to focus on the village's history, leisurely trekking, trails through woods and terraces, or regional cultural destinations. The types of trails and landscapes make it easier to identify the desired combination of walks, historical discoveries and further excursions, without limiting the trip to a single attraction.

For your further selection of destinations, you can also include Vivo D'orcia and Bagni San Filippo.

For the broader travel overview: Castiglione D'orcia.