“La casa di Lucia” is located at the heart of a charming Medieval village called Castelmuzio, an old Etrusco-Roman settlement. This typical village, fortified with walls and bastions, is deep in the Val d’Orcia, a famous Tuscan art and culture park that became one of UNESCO ‘s World Heritage sites on 2 July 2004. La casa di Lucia is just 4km from Pienza, the Renaissance town famous as the birthplace of Pope Pius II and for its popular Pecorino cheese. Nearby Montalcino, the renowned home of  Brunello wine, is well worth a visit for its delightful art sites, especially the Basilica of Sant’Antimo, where a Gregorian mass is still chanted in Latin every day. Other places to visit in the area include San Quirico d’Orcia, Montepulciano, for its “vino nobile” produced by the great Poliziano winery; enchanting Montichiello, whose villagers stage spectacular amateur theatre performances. For guests seeking a weekend of complete relaxation, why not travel the 20km or so to the spas at San Casciano dei Bagni, Bagno Vignoni, Bagni San Filippo, Chianciano Terme, or just a little further to Rapolano Terme. Also close to Castelmuzio is the Pieve di Santo Stefano in Cennano, a rural church of Early Christian origin, built over a Roman temple, worth admiring in all its splendour. Last, but not least, a chance to discover Siena, one of Italy’s loveliest cities and only 40km from Castelmuzio. Here guests can not only explore the city’s beautiful architecture and experience traditions that have survived the centuries, but also attend the totally unique Palio race, held twice a year in July and August.