Val d’Orcia is known for places like Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino and San Quirico d’Orcia, but the real surprise of our trip was Monticchiello. In Etruscan and Roman times, this small village was a crossroads of streets that connected centres and communities in the area. There are still traces of the medieval fortresses, greatly contrasting the Renaissance framework of Pienza. It’s so tiny but totally worth visiting, even just for the scenic views that you will see when driving to the village.