Castiglioncello del Trinoro

Castiglioncello del Trinoro: medieval village above Val d’Orcia

Castiglioncello del Trinoro combines a striking elevated position with an unusually rich history. The village is located in a dominant position at an altitude of 774 metres above Val d’Orcia. From the village viewpoint, the view extends to the Rocca di Radicofani and Monte Amiata. This creates a destination where exploring historic buildings and taking in the Tuscan landscape can be combined seamlessly.

Traces of a fortified past

In the Middle Ages, Castiglioncello del Trinoro was a fortified commune with five churches. The medieval settlement controlled a route connecting the valley axis with the Via Francigena. The Romanesque church of Sant’Andrea has been preserved. The Porta Senese also dates from the 14th century and makes the former importance of the village tangible through a specific surviving structure. The medieval character of the settlement is also reflected in the historic Palazzo Comunale: its portal is still visible. The Cassero on the hill of Castiglioncello del Trinoro played a special role. It was the site of a powerful structure with two towers that existed at least from the second half of the 10th century until the 14th century. The two observation structures of the Cassero were built a century apart, between the 12th and 13th centuries. This chronological layering gives the history of the village an additional dimension, without limiting you to a single building. The name Castiglioncello del Trinoro is associated with Castrum trium Latronum, meaning “castle of the three thieves”.

Paths through landscape and history

Castiglioncello del Trinoro is the second stage of a hiking route through Valdichiana. Another hiking route reaches Castiglioncello del Trinoro after a continuous series of ascents and descents towards the farmsteads of Tre Case and Santa Maria. In the surrounding area, the Pietraporciana beech forest covers approximately 12 hectares and lies between 720 and 830 metres above sea level. The La Foce woodland complex is also documented as a nature-oriented addition to a visit to the village. To get there, follow the signs from Sarteano to Castiglioncello del Trinoro and then to Le Crocette. Just beyond Castiglioncello del Trinoro, at kilometre 7.7, a road branches off to the left towards the equipped area of Le Crocette. Castiglioncello del Trinoro is also a waypoint on the motorcycle route “In moto tra le Crete e la Val d’Orcia”. This means that, alongside the village’s historical impressions, clearly named hiking and driving routes also play a central role in planning a trip. Those choosing accommodation in the surrounding area can therefore consider the village a destination for medieval culture, views, and different ways of exploring the area.

For the higher-level travel overview: Sarteano.