Discovering the medicinal herbs in Val d'Orcia

Interesting initiative combining a beautiful walk in Valdorcia 

with learning about local wild herbs and their use in medicine

On Sunday August 20th

The meeting point is in Bagno Vignoni 

in front of the Herbalist's shop at 10AM. 

The event is free of charge. 

Info and reservation to info@hortusmirabilis.it

The good century of Sienese art

The good century of Sienese art is one of the more important cultural initiative of 2017.
It finally introduces the idea of a "widespread" exhibition not limited to a museum but rather part of an itinerary among three beautiful towns considered gems of art and architecture: Montepulciano, Pienza and San Quirico.

Madonna with baby Jesus and Saint Leonard e Sebastian
painted by Bartolomeo Neroni called "Il Riccio"
Palazzo Chigi in San Quirico

From the exhibition website: "The idea of this original exhibition came about in order to rectify such a severe shortcoming. The towns of Montepulciano, San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza are each going to host a section of the exhibition dedicated to an important artist from the area and to his environment, inspired by a masterpiece already present in the towns. Each sector also envisages an itinerary to discover other works as significant as those on display but which, for various reasons, have remained in their original locations. This solution enables the ideal completion of the visit with the added value of travelling around and discovering a splendid and magnificently preserved land. All the works on show come from prestigious public and private collections, churches and other religious institutions, the aim being to offer visitors as thorough a vision as possible of a great century which has been unjustly forgotten."

From 18 March to 30 June from Monday to Sunday 1030h to 1830h (Tuesday closed)
The entrance ticket for the three locations costs 12 euro.

Montepulciano, Pienza and San Quirico are the three location where the exhibition is located

Further info on the official website:

https://ilbuonsecolodellapitturasenese.wordpress.com/the-good-century-of-sienese-art/

Flower Festival in Pienza 1-15 May 2016

PIENZA & FLOWERS FESTIVAL

The entire village of Pienza, will be transformed, from 1 to 15 May in a wonderful Italian-style garden and the beautiful arcaded courtyard of Palazzo Piccolomini will be literally covered in a large carpet of flowers (on 7 and 8 May only).
Millions of petals, skillfully selected and placed by the masters of famed Flower Festival in Genzano, will recreate the images of UNESCO sites in the world.

Pienza & Flowers was born many years ago thanks to the collaboration with the local botanist Dr Sirio Mangiavacchi, who dedicated much of its resources and its inventiveness to this event.

The goal was to create an high-quality flower exhibition that would enhance the architecture of Piazza Pio II and the Papal Palace by mixing  the floral character already present in classical architectural styles and a plant exhibition and market.

Pienza & flowers soon became a canonical Spring festival, a sort of floral blaze or a hymn preceding the summer and the new fruits. The event is part of the traditional Christian feast of Corpus Christi, with its characteristic floral procession

The festival is presently an important event for many local and Italian plant nursery.

If you like plants, flower and art you should not miss it!!!

BIKING AROUND MONTEPULCIANO

Our region is characterized by gravel roads, breathtaking views, rolling hills, an ideal condition to be discovered even by bicycle.
To help you discover the true essence of our territory, (avoiding tourist traps or purely commercial offer) we are creating a network of companies dedicated to offering valuable services and entousiastic work. We started cooperate with Stefania and her bike renta company in Pienza (http://www.e-biketuscany.com) in order to allow you preferential rental rates for mountain bikes, racing bikes and and electric bikes.
They will recommend the routes to do during your holiday, depending on your needs and your training level.
You can also arrange excursions with English speaking guides who will take you (always taking into account your physical condition), to the most hidden corners.

When tired you can relax in front of a tasty picnic or making a stop in a small restaurant, personally chosen by the guide.

At Politian Apartments we offer a safe and special storage room for our guests bikes and equipment

Mountain bike excursion on the hills near Pienza

Montepulciano in the background

Guided tour in the forest around Chianciano