Castel D'Orcia: Castle On The Rock

Castel d'Orcia, a castle on the rock in southern Tuscany.

Castel d'Orcia had lots of switchback curves to conquer, but I made it. Again, the wide vistas were breathtaking, at every hairpin turn a new elevation and new views. This "Rocca" (castle on top of a high point) set on a high precipice was amazing. There is a fortress on one mountaintop and a tower on its close neighbor. It looked like something out of King Arthur or the Lord of the Rings.

When we got to the top there was a very naturalized looking area with parking a cafe and walking paths. The little cafe gave us great views, ice cream pops, sodas and almost-internet. We took a walk along the brick path along the edge of the cliff--pretty scary at times with poorly maintained shaky wooden handrails and uneven brick path. There were spots that had slid away entirely so we decided not to go further. Next, a drive to some real Roman baths...

Jerry F.

A view of the valley below, photo by Lucas Finzi.

A mystical view of the Rocca.

Lucas, a talented photographer.