Passing beneath the turret that stands over the main gate is like going back in time. The internal street takes us on a voyage of discovery through ancient ways of life, ancient trades and a self-contained local economy. Each building was specific to an activity necessary for the subsistence of the population within the walls and of the surrounding countryside. There were the houses of the workers, administrators and parish priest. There was the bakery, the carpentry shop, the forge, grain and olive mills, granaries, wine-cellars and cheese room, vegetable gardens and courtyards … and all were marshalled and controlled by a strict set of local statutes.
Though the church was embellished over the centuries with paintings by the Sienese artist Antonio Bonfigli and 18th century paintings of Saints Sebastian, Rochus, Anthony the Abbot and Luigi Gonzaga, time and the depredations of the Second World War have scoured the walls bare.
From the church the street rises amid ancient houses and vegetable gardens, to an open space from which the central structure may be admired in all its grandeur. The high, square tower has large-vaulted dormitories and oblong windows, a triangular arcaded courtyard and a rectangular main body; this contains, over three floors, the former cellar, banqueting hall and weapons room. The lookout post is highly evocative, with a Dantesque view of the Rocca a Tentennano and River Orcia far below.
Though it had lost importance from a military and defensive viewpoint, the Castle continued over the centuries to play a leading role as the centre of production and administration for its vast properties. Land reform after the War and the disappearance of sharecropping shattered the economic structure of the estate, which began to be split up and fall into neglect. But the family decided to revitalise the estate's architectural and productive value. With one eye on the past (and the ancient statutes of the Castle, which you can read and enjoy on your visit), and one on the future, the estate has been rebuilt and revitalised.
Nowadays, Ripa d'Orcia is a comfortable country residence with rooms and apartments ideal for relaxing stays. With its splendid location, it offers tourists who want to visit the beautiful cities of art in Tuscany, Umbria and Northern Lazio an ideal place to start.
Within the walled enclosure lie the reception, gardens, public telephone, panoramic terrace, a little restaurant, and an original common living room (the old granary) with fireplace, table games, and books. Recently the ancient wine-cellar has been converted into a tasting room where small groups can, on appointment, taste the estate production of Orcia Wines and extra virgin olive oil. The little restaurant at Ripa d'Orcia is open every night except Mondays; the menu provides simple Tuscan dishes along with the estate wines.
