Quercia delle Checche, Monumental tree in Val d'Orcia, Pienza, Italy
The Quercia delle Checche is a sessile oak standing in Val d'Orcia with a trunk circumference of about 5 meters and a crown spread of roughly 34 meters. It rises to about 19 meters high and anchors the surrounding Tuscan landscape.
The oak dates back to 1640, making it centuries old. It survived the widespread deforestation that occurred during the construction of the Rome-Florence railway in the late 1800s.
Local stories call this tree the Witches' Oak, linked to gatherings that supposedly happened under its branches. These tales shape how visitors see and experience this landmark in the countryside today.
This oak is accessible by several hiking trails that cross the Tuscan countryside around Pienza. Wear sturdy shoes and plan for a full walk through the rolling hills to reach and explore the area around it.
In 2017, the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage recognized this oak as Italy's first green monument. This distinction sets it apart as a protected landmark of national importance.
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