Travel Information · Pienza, Val d'Orcia
How to Get Here
Directions to Pienza, the Gladiator Field, and the Val d'Orcia
The Val d'Orcia is remote by design — that is part of what makes it extraordinary. It sits in southern Tuscany between Siena, Montepulciano, and the Maremma coast, roughly equidistant from Rome and Florence. A car is by far the best way to explore. Here is everything you need to arrive.
The Best Way
By Car
From Rome (Fiumicino Airport)
2h 30minTake the A1 motorway north toward Florence. Exit at Chiusi/Chianciano Terme. Follow SP146 through Chianciano toward San Quirico d'Orcia and Pienza (about 40 km from the exit). Google Maps: search "Pienza, Siena".
From Florence
1h 30minTake the A1 south toward Rome. Exit at Valdichiana (Bettolle). Follow SS326 to Torrita di Siena, then SP146 toward San Quirico d'Orcia and Pienza. Alternatively exit at Chiusi and take the scenic SP146 all the way.
From Siena
1h 15minFollow SS2 (Via Cassia) south to Buonconvento, then SP451 to Montalcino or directly SS2 to San Quirico d'Orcia. From San Quirico, the SP146 takes you east to Pienza (12 km). The SP146 between San Quirico and Pienza is the most scenic road in the valley.
From Pisa Airport
2h 30minTake the SGC Firenze-Pisa-Livorno highway east, then the A1 south to Valdichiana exit. Follow SP146 as above.
Nearest Stations
By Train + Car
Chiusi-Chianciano Terme
35 km from Pienza
The most convenient station — served by Trenitalia regional trains from Rome (1h 50min) and Florence (1h 15min). Rent a car at the station (Hertz, Avis, Europcar available). Then follow SP146 directly to Pienza.
Siena
55 km from Pienza
Higher-frequency trains from Florence (1h 30min by regional). Car rental available at Siena station. Drive south on SS2 then SP146.
Montepulciano (Stazione)
25 km from Pienza
Small station served by the Chiusi–Siena regional line. A taxi from here to Pienza is about 30 minutes.
Getting Around the Valley
Once you arrive in Pienza, the key Gladiator locations are all within 15 km along the SP146. The road from Pienza to San Quirico d'Orcia passes directly beside the Gladiator Field (Campo di Terrapille, visible from the road) and the turnoff for Cappella di Vitaleta. Bagno Vignoni is 10 km south of San Quirico. All are best reached by car. There is no reliable public bus service between these sites.
Parking in Pienza
Pienza's historic centre is ZTL (restricted traffic zone) and pedestrian only. Park in the public car park at Parcheggio di Pienza (Viale Santa Caterina, free) just outside the walls. From there it is a 5-minute walk to the historic centre. For the Gladiator Field, there is a small layby on the SP146 (look for other parked cars near the cypress avenue south of Pienza).
📍 Val d'Orcia, Tuscany
Open in Google Maps for navigation
Key GPS Coordinates
- Pienza town centre
- 43.0766° N, 11.6791° E
- Campo di Terrapille (The Gladiator Field)
- 43.0733° N, 11.6833° E
- Cappella di Vitaleta
- 43.0886° N, 11.6381° E
- Pieve di Corsignano
- 43.0719° N, 11.6754° E
- Bagno Vignoni
- 43.0286° N, 11.6106° E
- San Quirico d'Orcia
- 43.0571° N, 11.6051° E
Practical Tips
Phone signal
Mobile data is patchy in the countryside between towns. Download offline Google Maps or maps.me before leaving home, or buy a paper Touring Club map of Siena province.
Fuel
Fill up before entering the valley. The nearest petrol stations are in Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia, and Chianciano Terme. There are no stations between Pienza and the field.
Road quality
The SP146 is well-maintained tarmac. The smaller white gravel roads (strade bianche) to farms and viewpoints are usually passable in a normal car but can be rough after rain. Avoid if you have a low-clearance vehicle.
ZTL zones
Pienza and Montepulciano both have ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) historic centres. These are camera-enforced. Park outside the walls and walk in.
Need Help Planning Your Route?
Our team can help you plan the perfect day in the Val d'Orcia — from directions to guided experiences.
Ask us on WhatsApp