Radicofani, small centre in the province of Siena at the border between Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio is easily reached from the S.S. 2 Cassia. The small medieval village is towered over by a hill on which, magical and majestic, the Radicofani fortress stands tall and proud. Going on foot up the steep ascent that leads to the fortress through the town, the sensation is that of taking an imaginary step into the past.

Climbing on the hill you will meet a stone archway, what is left of the ancient wall circle of the castle, 900 metres high. The Radicofani fortress can be reached on foot, starting from the village it takes around 20 minutes, or by car, but you would certainly not be able to appreciate the wonderful scenery surrounding you.

Restoration works to the fortress in the past decade have restored the condition of the wall circle dating 1500’s, returning the medieval charm and atmosphere to the castle. The five bastions alternate on the extremities of the pentagon, offering a splendid view extending over the whole Val d'Orcia, only limited East by the massiveness of the Monte Amiata.

The fortress, placed along the Via Francigena, was contended, throughout the centuries, between the Pontifical State, the Republic of Siena and Florence. In 1297, as narrated by Dante in the «Divine Comedy» and by Boccaccio in the «Decameron», Ghino di Tacco, the famous bandit and gentleman, took possession of the fortress where he stayed for three years.

Later the fort became the possession of the Republic of Siena and finally in 1559 of Cosimo I Grand Duke of Tuscany. In 1735 the fortress is abandoned because the explosion of the gunpowder deposit meant its almost complete destruction. The fortress is currently open to the public and inside you may visit the tower-museum.

Where: Foretzza di Radicofani
Opening times: April to October open 10 am to 7 pm. November to March 10 am to 6 pm.
Entrance ticket: 2 euro
Telephone contacts: 0578 558 67 – 0578 557 00

Val d'Orcia Park (In Italian)