Radicofani

Radicofani is located in the province of Siena in the region of Tuscany, Italy. The town is located in the scenic Valdorica region and is close to Florence and Siena. Radicofani is spread out over an area of just 118 sq km with a population of around 1100. The economy of Radicofani revolves around agriculture, dairy products and the manufacturing of furniture and wines.

According to scholars, Radicofani was first inhabited in the middle ages when people from the neighboring areas started settling down around the castle that had already existed there. For decades, Radicofani remained the center of the battle between Siena and the monks of the Saint Salvatore Abbey.

Getting to Radicofani

The closest cities to Radicofani are Siena and Florence. Visitors can easily reach Radicofani from the airport in Florence or Siena by buses or taxis since there are several buses and taxis available at all times at the airport in both these cities. There are also a few buses that reach Radicofani from the other smaller towns and villages in the province of Siena. Those who have their own car can just as easily drive down from Siena or Florence. Getting bus tickets is quite easy even in tourist seasons.

Moving Around the Town

The easiest way to move around in Radicofani is by foot or by the public buses. The town has beautiful pedestrian streets and traffic free areas which can be experienced by tourists by walking around the town. There are local buses in the town which are usually used by the locals for travelling to the various sections in Radicofani and for visiting the nearby regions. Local buses can be used by visitors too since these are quite comfortable and regular. Visitors who have their own cars can easily move around in cars or can rent scooters during their stay.

Attractions in Radicofani

The Castle of Radicofani

Tower near Radicofani

The most important place to visit in Radicofani is the ancient castle or fortress. The fortress is known to have been in the region since 978 AD and was previously the castle of Ghino Di Tacco. Located at an altitude of 896 meters, the castle is located on the highest peak of the hill. Over the centuries, the castle had to be renovated a few times; however, most of the façade of the castle is still original. The castle provides beautiful views of the surrounding regions and if it is a clear day visitors can also see the tower of the castle in Siena from here. There are two walls around the castle, the outer wall in pentagonal and the inner one is triangular in shape with three towers at the corners that are now destroyed. 

Church of San Pietro

The church of San Pietro is the most important religious place in Radicofani. The church has a beautiful Romanesque architecture and the interiors are beautifully decorated. The church has marble floors and beautiful frescoes. There are quite a lot of good art works done by famous artists like Andrea Della Robbia within the church.

The Medicean Villa

Radicofani

The Medicean Villa was originally built as a postal station by Fernando Di Medici on the antique Cassia Road. Located a little away from the main town, the villa has beautiful views of the surrounding valley and the areas around. 

Church of Sant' Agata

The church of Sant Agata in Radicofani is not as impressive as the church of San Pietro but still worth a visit. Although smaller in size, the church has been beautifully decorated inside with ornate decorations. Inside the church is a precious Madonna with Saints done by Andrea Della Robbia and placed above the high altar.

One Thousand Mile Race

The one thousand mile race is a very popular festival held every year in May. The festival includes a parade of ancient cars that starts from Ponte Rigo and passes through Radicofani going on to the other towns and villages in the region. People from across Italy and even from other countries come to the region every year to witness the parade and the beautiful cars that pass through the most scenic routes in Tuscany. Visitors who are in Tuscany in May should definitely attend the festival.

Stay and Accommodation

San Pietro in Radicofani

Radicofani is not really a tourist destination so there are very few hotels in the town. There are only a few Bed & Breakfasts and old fashioned hotels run by families set in old villas and mansions in the town. However, since Siena is located quite close to the town most people prefer to stay in Siena. Some of the good hotels to try in Radicofani are Fattoria La Palazzina, Cerrato Piano, Podere Casano, Villa Podere San Giuseppe and Fonteverde hotel. There are also a few country houses located on the outskirts of the town and villas that are available on rent. 

Eating in Radicofani

The options for eating out in Radicofani are limited, the restaurants, osterias and trattorias in town are mainly where the locals like to eat. The food here is simple and delicious made with fresh local ingredients and the cuisine is mostly Italian and Tuscan. Good wine and cheese is available everywhere because of the abundance of good Vineyards and dairy products. There are also a few good bars in town that serve fresh appetizers and light lunch dishes. Some of the best known restaurants in town are Ristorante Fattoria La Palazzina, Ristorante Daniela, Ristorante La Grotta and Osteria Vecchia.

Shopping in Radicofani

There are not many places in Radicofani where visitors can shop. There are only a few small shops in the historic center of the town. There are a few small shops that sell locally made clothes, furniture, wooden crafts and souvenirs made by the locals. However, the best things to purchase in Radicofani are bottles of local wines, cheeses and good olive oil. The region grows excellent quality olives, is known for its dairy products and has many good vineyards that are famous for their wines.