TREASURES OF THE REGION
Tuscany has long been one of the world’s most sought-after destinations—a place where nature, wellness, art, and authentic flavors converge.
Podere Il Moro enjoys a strategic location in the heart of the region, making it the perfect starting point for exploring iconic destinations. Within easy reach, you can immerse yourself in the history of Siena, San Gimignano, and Florence, or lose yourself in the timeless landscapes of the Chianti hills, amidst culture, tradition, and world-class gastronomy.
SIENA
A circa 10 km dall’agriturismo il Moro
Siena preserves all the charm of a medieval city, with its historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Piazza del Campo, famous for its unique shell shape, hosts the renowned Palio twice a year (in July and August)—an ancient horse race where the city’s contrade (neighborhoods) compete for glory.
Overlooking the Piazza is the Palazzo Pubblico, flanked by the majestic Torre del Mangia. Just a short walk away, you will find the Duomo and the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello, as well as stunning frescoes by Pinturicchio.
But Siena is about more than just art… In the city center, you’ll discover many shops selling traditional products (like fine leather goods and stationery) and historic pastry shops where you can taste Ricciarelli and Panforte, the signature sweets of Siena.
From San Rocco a Pilli, you can easily reach Siena by public transport using the Autolinee Toscane bus service.
SAN GIMIGNANO
About 50 km from Agriturismo Il Moro
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the backdrop for numerous films by prominent directors (from Franco Zeffirelli to Kenneth Branagh), San Gimignano is renowned for its medieval atmosphere and its iconic towers. Today, 14 towers remain of the original 72, which were built by wealthy local families as symbols of their prestige.
Highlights include Piazza della Cisterna and the Duomo, featuring frescoes by Ghirlandaio. Visitors can shop for artisanal products and enjoy the exquisite local wine: Vernaccia.
On the way to San Gimignano from Agriturismo Il Moro, you will pass other points of interest worth visiting, such as Monteriggioni and Colle di Val d’Elsa, the “City of Crystal.
FIRENZE
About 80 km from Agriturismo Il Moro
If you have never visited Florence, it is truly worth spending a full day there. However, Florence is also a place to return to again and again, as it has so much to offer: history, art, shopping, and traditional craftsmanship.
As the symbolic city of the Renaissance, it is one of Italy’s true jewels. Among its many treasures are the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Santa Maria Novella, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery—the most visited museum in the world, housing masterpieces by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo.
The elegant shop windows featuring major fashion brands, fine jewelry, and Florentine handicrafts make this city truly unique.
From Siena, you can easily reach Florence by public transport. There are excellent and frequent direct connections by both bus and train.
MONTALCINO E VAL D’ORCIA
About 40 km from Agriturismo Il Moro
Nestled in the stunning landscape of the Val d’Orcia Natural Park, Montalcino is a town that has remained virtually unchanged since the 16th century. Its vineyards produce one of Tuscany’s most prestigious red wines: Brunello.
About 20 km from Montalcino lies Pienza, a true architectural jewel. Conceived as the “Ideal City” of the Renaissance, it was created at the request of the Sienese nobleman Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II. The project was executed by Rossellino under the guidance of the great humanist Leon Battista Alberti (who also designed the facade of Santa Maria Novella in Florence). In just three years, a complex of beautiful and harmonious palaces was built.
Middle Ages and Renaissance meet in Montepulciano, a charming town in the Val d’Orcia, where the film New Moon (from the Twilight vampire saga) was filmed. Located about 30 km from Montalcino, Montepulciano is the production area for another excellent red wine: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
MONTERIGGIONI
A soli 15 km dall’Agriturismo Il Moro
Monteriggioni è uno dei borghi fortificati più iconici e meglio conservati d’Italia. Arroccato su una collina, è celebre per la sua cinta muraria circolare punteggiata da 14 torri che ancora oggi domina il paesaggio, una bellezza tale da essere citata persino da Dante Alighieri nella Divina Commedia. Il cuore del borgo è Piazza Roma, dove si affaccia la Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, una chiesa romanica semplice e affascinante che invita alla sosta.
Per vivere Monteriggioni come un locale, è d’obbligo sedersi in una delle osterie della piazza per gustare piatti tipici come i pici all’aglione o la pregiata cinta senese, magari concludendo con un gelato artigianale mentre si passeggia al tramonto. Per un tocco di storia in più, il museo “Monteriggioni in Arme” offre un viaggio immersivo tra armature medievali, mentre la camminata sui camminamenti di ronda regala una vista mozzafiato che spazia dal Chianti alla Val d’Elsa. Infine, per chi cerca un tesoro nascosto, a breve distanza si trova l’antica Abbadia a Isola, una splendida abbazia benedettina che conserva un fascino senza tempo lontano dai circuiti turistici più affollati.