In the southern part of the Province of Siena, between the slopes of Mount Amiata and the hills which descend toward the Chiana Valley, between the fortress of Radicofani and that of Montalcino, lies the territory of the Orcia Valley. It is an area, including the hard and miserly countryside of the “crete” (clay hills) and the softer tufaceous hills, which seems like an island in the hearth of Tuscany. Here the relationship between men and nature, estabilished over centuries and the product of the synthesis of geological-natural assets, the works of man and respect for the environment, continues to survive and to astonish. The Orcia Valley with its artistic, monumental and historical treasures and its human and environmental resources is the model of a life-style which is integrated and coherent continuity with its traditions. The visitor will discover that the countryside is both the expression of marvelous natural characteristics, and also the product of the people who live there. The five communes included in the Park, Castiglione d'Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza, Radicofani and San Quirico d'Orcia, have put the environment and culture first, as the primary resources of the territory.  Besides its well-known architectural features, such as the towns of Pienza and Montalcino, St. Antimo Abbey, the fortress of Radicofani and Roccia d'Orcia, the Collegiata of San Quirico, the medieval thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni and the grain tower at Spedaletto, there are also some very original and naturalistic attractions such as: The Lucciola Bella Natural Reserve, the biotopes of Mediterranean bush and of the Silver Fir in the Commune of Castiglione d'Orcia, the gullies, the barren hills and valleys, the clay hills dotted with cypresses and stretches of road which wind through “poderi” (farming estates), grain towers and ancient monasteries. There are also excellent quality products such as Brunello wine, Pienza's chesse, and olive oil, not to mention the honey, meat, salami and cereals. These are the indispensable ingredients of famous local dishes, handcrafted products and cultural events – Teatro Povero of Monticchiello and Festival della Val d'Orcia are important examples – which provide further undeniable attractions.