The best MTB trails in Riserva Naturale Crete Dell'Orcia

Very characteristic historic center. On the Via Francigena

Beautiful Tuscan village on the border with Lazio. Stage of the Via Francigena

The complex is located a short distance from the famous La Foce estate, which was purchased in 1924 by Iris and Antonio Origo. ​Land Reclamation: When the Marquis and Marchioness Origo arrived, the area surrounding the Tarugi Tower was extremely arid and impoverished. The Casella farm was part of that vast system of farmsteads that were reclaimed and modernized thanks to the social and agricultural commitment of Iris Origo—an effort also chronicled in her celebrated book, War in Val d'Orcia.

The Tarugi Tower (Torre Tarugi) is a medieval structure located in the Val d'Orcia, within the municipality of Pienza. Today, it is part of a rural complex known as Podere Casella Tarugi. ​While the name "Tarugi" may call to mind the famous palace in Montepulciano, this tower has its own distinct history tied to territorial surveillance and the subsequent land reclamation of the area. ​History and Architecture ​Medieval Origins: The tower presumably dates back to the 12th century. Originally, it was not intended as a residence, but as a strategic watchtower and defensive outpost. Its elevated position allowed for the monitoring of movements between the Val d'Orcia and the Val di Chiana, situated not far from the historic Via Francigena. ​Transformation into a Farmhouse: Starting in the 18th century, as its military function became obsolete, the tower was integrated into an agricultural structure and converted into a farmhouse (podere). It became a central hub for the families of sharec

The complex is located a short distance from the famous Tenuta de La Foce, purchased in 1924 by Iris and Antonio Origo. • La Bonifica: When the Origo marquises arrived, the area around Torre Tarugi was extremely arid and poor. The Casella estate was part of that vast system of farms that were recovered and modernized thanks to the social and agricultural commitment of Iris Origo, also described in her famous book "Guerra in Val d'Orcia".

La Torre Tarugi is a medieval structure located in Val d'Orcia, in the municipality of Pienza, and is part of a rural complex now known as Podere Casella Tarugi. Although the name "Tarugi" recalls the famous palace in Montepulciano, this tower has its own history linked to the control of the territory and the subsequent reclamation of the area. History and Architecture • Medieval Origins: The tower presumably dates back to the 12th century. Initially, it was not a dwelling, but a strategic watchtower and defense structure. Its elevated position allowed it to monitor movements between Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana, being not far from the Via Francigena. • Transformation into a Farmhouse: Starting from the 18th century, with the decline of its military function, the tower was integrated into an agricultural structure and transformed into a farmhouse (podere). It became a reference point for the sharecropper families who worked the surrounding lands.

Splendid gravel climb leading to Castiglioncello sul Trinoro, not too demanding gradients and breathtaking views overlooking Monte Cetona. At the summit, you reach an altitude of about 800 meters.

Beautiful asphalt road with little traffic towards Radicofani