Radicondoli

Radicondoli is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Siena in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) southwest of Florence and about 25 kilometres (16 mi) southwest of Siena.

Map of 53030 Radicondoli, Province of Siena, Italy

Perched on a hilltop, the walled town has panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside with rich forests of diverse wildlife. Sheep farming is part of the local economy and in this medieval village with Etruscan origins, genuine traditions of Tuscan life persevere. Steam rises from the surrounding hills as the area is a geothermal region and home to the Museo delle Energie.

Views over the typical rolling hills of Tuscany are spectacular and this region was at one time ruled by Cosimo de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. This small village has cobblestone streets and is known for its sense of community, farm-to-table cuisine and sustainable lifestyle. An ancient castle town Radicondoli has about 900 plus villagers who live together peaceably surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and fields rich with produce. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are sold at the community co-op, and villagers and visitors enjoy excellent local wines. In the town's restaurants and homes locals make authentic Tuscan dishes with hand-pressed olive oils, grains, meats and artisanal cheeses. They also gather an array of mushrooms and herbs from nearby forests. Villagers maintain the gardening tradition by keeping their fields or "campos" of small olive groves, grape vineyards and vegetables. This resourceful, self-sufficient, thrifty lifestyle continues and draws visitors eager to grow their culinary skills.

Radicondoli also has a large music school where concerts and theater plays are held. The school is located in an ancient convent and many local children study there. Every year during the month of August there is a large music, dance and theater festival held in this unique medieval setting. This region is a geothermic zone popular for hiking and mountain bike rides. There are numerous scenic footpaths for hikers with opportunities to spot pheasant, deer, and boar.

Luciano Berio, a well known Italian composer returned to Italy to live in Radicondoli in 1972. His many compositions ranged from chamber music to major orchestral works, operas and songs. He was an innovative orchestral and vocal composer often cited for his works with solo voice. He had a long residence in New York City where he conducted his own works with the Juilliard Ensemble, which he founded.

Among the several churches in Radicondoli, is the Collegiata dei Santi Simone e Giuda, with works by Pietro di Domenico and Alessandro Casolani.