Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LA BANDITA
Sophisticated urban style melds with stupendous scenery at
La Bandita
( 333 4046704;
www.la-
bandita.com
;
d €195-500; Mar-Dec; ), a rural retreat set amid working sheep
farms in one of the most stunning sections of the Val d'Orcia. Owned and operated by former NYC
music executive John Voigtmann and his travel-writer wife (non-Lonely Planet, we hasten to add), it
offers comfortable rooms, amenities galore (we love the Ortigia toiletries), wonderful meals and im-
pressive levels of personalised service. Put simply, it's the type of retreat we all fantasise about own-
ing, though few of us could afford to do so. Base yourself here to visit nearby Pienza, Montepulciano
and Montalcino.
Sights & Activities
The main activity in town is visiting
enoteche
. For nonalcoholic diversion, purchase a
combined ticket (€6) for entry to the
fortezza
's ramparts and to the Museo Civico e Dio-
cesano d'Arte Sacra. These are available from the tourist office.
Fortezza
(Piazzale Fortezza; courtyard free, ramparts adult/child €4/2; 9am-8pm Apr-Oct, 10am-6pm Nov-Mar)
This imposing 14th-century structure was expanded under the Medici dukes and now
dominates the town's skyline. You can sample and buy local wines in its
enoteca
(tasting
of 2/3/5 Brunellos €9/13/19) and also climb up to the fort's ramparts. Buy a ticket for the
ramparts at the bar.
HISTORICAL BUILDING
Museo Civico e Diocesano d'Arte Sacra
( 0577 84 60 14; Via Ricasoli 31; adult/child €4.50/3; 10am-1pm & 2-5.50pm Tue-Sun)
Occupy-
ing the former convent of the neighbouring
Chiesa di Sant'Agostino
, this collection of reli-
gious art from the town and surrounding region includes a triptych by Duccio and a
Madonna and Child
by Simone Martini. Other artists represented include the Lorenzetti
brothers, Giovanni di Paolo and Sano di Pietro.
MUSEUM
Festivals & Events
Benvenuto Brunello
WINE
