Highlights
- Radicofani fortress (814m)
- Val d'Orcia panorama
- Monte Amiata views
- Ghino di Tacco legend
Stage conditions
| Section | Tuscany (Italy) |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Scarce |
| Shade | Minimal |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
San Quirico is reached by Autolinee Toscane lines 112 and 54A; there is no station. Radicofani has none either: Autolinee Toscane line FT9 runs from Chiusi station (Chiusi–Chianciano Terme, on the Florence–Rome line) via Sarteano to Radicofani about hourly, in a little over an hour, and line B24 links Abbadia San Salvatore, Radicofani and Sarteano. The stops are Via Luchini or Località Calcine, a few minutes' walk from the centre. The tourist office is on Via Fonte Antese. Florence and Rome airports connect via Chiusi.
What the season does
The hardest Tuscan stage by the data, with April to June and September to October as the best months, minimal shade and scarce water. In summer the stage notes warn of two things at once: brutal exposure on the long climb, and thunderstorms that build quickly over Monte Amiata in the afternoon — be off the ridge by early afternoon. The regional page adds fords before the old Briccole hospital and on the Formone stream below Radicofani that become a problem after heavy rain, which is a spring and autumn issue; the provincial road bridge is the alternative. At 814 m Radicofani is cool and windy at night even in June.
Safety on this stage
Everything the stage data lists is real: length, exposure, at least two litres of water, and fast-developing storms. Add the fords: the regional page says the Orcia-side ford and the Formone crossing need caution and may be impassable after rain, with the road bridge as the fallback. Part of the day is on or beside the Via Cassia, where the Gallina bar sits 500 m off the track — traffic is fast, so cross with care. Save energy for the final relentless climb to the fortress.
Water and food
Scarce, and the regional page names the only reliable points: Bagno Vignoni and Gallina, where a bar stands 500 m from the track on the Cassia, plus the Agriturismo Podere San Giorgio. Bagni San Filippo is a detour. Leave San Quirico with two litres or more in warm weather, refill fully at Bagno Vignoni, and treat Gallina as the last chance before the long climb. Radicofani has bars and fountains once you are up.
Where pilgrims sleep
Our directory's San Quirico entry, the Ostello Palazzo del Pellegrino (pilgrim hostel), is where you start; tonight's bed is the Ostello di Radicofani (pilgrim hostel) at the finish. The town's pilgrim welcome is the Spedale Santi Pietro e Giacomo on Via dello Spedale, a medieval house twenty metres off the route run by the Confraternita di Misericordia since 2010: about sixteen beds in three rooms, kitchen, open year round from 2.30 pm in summer and by phone in other seasons, donation basis. It does not take bookings — walk-ins only — and a credenziale is required from June to August. Bring a sheet or sleeping bag.
Sources: Visit Tuscany — Leg 36 San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani · Visit Tuscany — pilgrim hospitality, leg 36 · Visit Tuscany — Spedale Santi Pietro e Giacomo, Radicofani · Visit Radicofani — Info and contacts · Autolinee Toscane — line 112 Siena–Buonconvento–Montepulciano · Autolinee Toscane — line 54A Abbadia San Salvatore–Siena · Visit Tuscany — Useful suggestions before you leave
Common questions
How long is the San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani stage?
It is 32.0 km (19.9 mi) and takes about 9 hours of walking, from San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani.
How hard is San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani?
It is rated hard with 750 m of ascent and 350 m of descent over mountain terrain.
Is there water on the San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani stage?
Water is scarce on this stage. Carry what you need before you set out.
How do I get to San Quirico d'Orcia and away from Radicofani?
San Quirico is reached by Autolinee Toscane lines 112 and 54A; there is no station. Radicofani has none either: Autolinee Toscane line FT9 runs from Chiusi station (Chiusi–Chianciano Terme, on the Florence–Rome line) via Sarteano to Radicofani about hourly, in a little over an hour, and line B24 links Abbadia San Salvatore, Radicofani and Sarteano. The stops are Via Luchini or Località Calcine, a few minutes' walk from the centre.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Radicofani?
Our directory's San Quirico entry, the Ostello Palazzo del Pellegrino (pilgrim hostel), is where you start; tonight's bed is the Ostello di Radicofani (pilgrim hostel) at the finish. The town's pilgrim welcome is the Spedale Santi Pietro e Giacomo on Via dello Spedale, a medieval house twenty metres off the route run by the Confraternita di Misericordia since 2010: about sixteen beds in three rooms, kitchen, open year round from 2.30 pm in summer and by phone in other seasons, donation basis. It does not take bookings — walk-ins only — and a credenziale is required from June to August.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.