"Vivo d'Orcia is not a place, it is a way of life..." The Castle of Vivo d'Orcia lies in the widespread Orcia valley in southern Tuscany, 2 hours from Florence, 1 hour from Siena, close to such cultural jewels as Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano, to name but a few.

The hamlet Vivo D'Orcia lies at an altitude of 900 m above sea level. The particular combination of altitude and meditteranean climate creates an unusual whealth of flora and fauna. Many wild animals such as deer, wild boar and foxes as well as the most deliscious truffles call the Monte Amiata their home.

Vivo d'Orcia from above: the famous towns Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Sant'Antimo, Monte Oliveto Maggiore and San Quirico are almost in range of sight.

A pope's refuge: the estate with the impressive castle and the romanic chapel reaches back to the 11th century. The humble hermitage was transformed into a sophisticated and well-organised agricultural center when Cardinal Marcello Cervini, later Pope Marcello II, acquired the estate in 1534. The property is still owned by the family today. Count Marcello Cervini and his wife Amarilli spend most of the summer months in residence as attentive and interesting hosts. Incidentally, their castle was featured in the jan. 2005 issue of THE WORLD OF INTERIORS.

The Casa del Fattore - the former steward's house - as well as the Casa di Pietro and Il Gallinaio are for parties from 2 to 8 persons.
The pool is for the guests of the Casa del Fattore, the Casa di Pietro and the Casa di Lilli.


Century old chestnut trees cast their shade in the gardens of the houses, ideal for al-fresco meals outdoors. Fresh fruit and tomatoes, spicy sausages, homemade pasta and polenta, mushrooms from the woods next door, truffles, and of course the precious local olive oils and wines.

Vivo d'Orcia and the closeby Abbadia San Salvatore offer excellent shopping facilites. For those who prefer to be served upon, the estate's cook will gladly prepare the local specialities.

From culinary matters to physical experience: guests of the Casa del Fattore, Casa di Pietro and Casa di Lillihave a pool at their disposal. The hot spas of southern Tuscany - Saturnia, Bagno San Filippo and Bagno Vignoni - are famous and in the immediate vicinity.