All'Orto de' Pecci: A Green Oasis in Siena

All'Orto de' Pecci offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city center of Siena. Located a short walk from Piazza del Campo, this restaurant and pizzeria is set within a green oasis that was historically part of the San Niccolò Psychiatric Hospital. In the early 1900s, patients engaged in 'ergoterapia' here, tending to the gardens as a form of therapy.Today, operated by the social cooperative 'La Proposta' since 1983, All'Orto de' Pecci provides support and employment to individuals with disabilities and other challenges. The cooperative cultivates the land using organic farming methods, supplying the restaurant with fresh produce. The restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes, including pizzas and pastas, at reasonable prices. Visitors can dine outdoors while enjoying views of Siena and interacting with the resident animals, including donkeys, goats, geese and ducks.The area's history dates back to the early 14th century when it was known as Borgo Nuovo di Santa Maria, intended to house new residents of Siena. After the Black Death in 1348, the village was abandoned, and the area transitioned to agricultural use. From the late 14th century, the valley was named Porta Giustizia, as it was the path taken by those condemned to death. All'Orto de' Pecci offers not only a meal but also a chance to support a social enterprise and experience a unique part of Siena's history.