Via Francigena from Siena to Acquapendente

Siena is one of the most important mediaeval cities in Italy. Before leaving for Quinciano the next day, feel free to check out the amazing sights that Siena has to offer. One of the more popular sights in Siena is the incredible Duomo (Siena Cathedral) from the 12th Century. The Gothic Palazzo Pubblico and the distinct Piazza del Campo are two other popular sights definitely worth seeing. The large square in the heart of the city also hosts the infamous mediaeval Il Palio horse race event.

Walking to Quinciano today is a bit testing as there is some hillwalking to do, but it is manageable. Along the way, you can stop for some food and maybe some wine in Isola d’Arbia and see the lovely Romanesque Church of San Ilario. While in the town, relax after that walk and, if you have the time, you could visit the gorgeous Church of San Albano.

The walk today is shorter than yesterday’s route. Gravel roads and tracks make for gentle-enough walking to Buonconvento. Arriving in the town, views of a rolling and enthralling landscape, surrounded by beautiful and vast farms, await you. The Castello Bibbiano and churches of Saints Peter and Paul are the main sights to see here once you’ve rested. Also, treat yourself to some pizza.

Leaving for San Quirico d’Orcia, there are different routes to choose from. Generally, the walk is quite hilly; a mix of uphill and downhill walks, and earth tracks, so it is a bit challenging. But, once you reach San Quirico d’Orcia, reward yourself with a glass of wine or two. During your stay, visit the Collegiate church of San Quirico and the very impressive Palazzo Chigi, which is now known as the Horti Leonini. It is a fantastic public park that was once part of the palazzo’s grounds.

Today’s walk is similar to the previous day, with uphill and downhill walks taking up the majority of the journey to Gallina. If you go through Bagno Vignoni, a thermal spa is there, with the reservoir holding sulphurous water that is just perfect for aching muscles. There is an option to take a route that follows the Via Cassia instead of being diverted around it. However, you will need to consider how much daylight you have left and if the roads are busy. The diversion from it is quite hilly and is longer. Once in Gallina, take time to rest and eat in the local restaurants before the walk to Radicofani tomorrow.

Walking to Radicofani starts with gravel tracks and grassy tracks through fields before interchanging with hills and gravel roads. Crossing small rivers may also be part of the walk. If it’s raining, however, walking along the roadsides from Gallina would be a better option. Nevertheless, crossing the streams as well as going through fields and on grassy tracks, all the while taking in the incredible sight of nature, really is something to behold before taking the uphill route into Radicofani. The town is placed on top of a hill, with a striking view of the surrounding area. Take time to see Radicofani’s main attraction, the Rocca (an old castle) and the Romanesque Church of Santa Agatha once you’ve taken a breather.

The last day of walking is the longest of all of the days on this leg of the Via Francigena. It is quite the task, but on reaching your destination at the end you will be overcome with joy. You start with some nice downhill walking, reaching Ponte A. Choose between taking the historic route along the road or taking the loop around Via Cassia. After taking one of the routes, your walk becomes uphill again, but not too difficult, for the rest of the way into Acquapendente. Now you can relax, do some sight-seeing and sample the culture of the town.

After breakfast we bid you farewell. While here, we recommend visiting the fantastic Basilica del Santo Sepulcro and the Torre Alfina. Acquapendente’s streets have many inclines, but all are paved, so getting around is easy. The city is famous for its vegetable and wine products, so try out some of the local foods, particularly the pizza loaded with local fresh vegetables.