MEDIEVAL VILLAGES ON MOUNT AMIATA

SANTA FIORA (GR)

In the heart of Mount Amiata, Santa Fiora It preserves one of the most evocative historic centers in Tuscany. Its main square represents the oldest part of the town and is dominated by the medieval defensive structures of the AldobrandeschiOf this ancient system, the visible remains remain square tower, shoe bases and a piece of the clock tower, embellished in the center by a Della Robbia glazed ceramics, the only surviving element of the original clock.
Continuing along the square you come across the Sforza Palace (16th century), now the seat of the Town Hall, built on medieval foundations. Inside, restorations have brought to light a rare cycle of frescoes of the Roman School of the sixteenth century, a precious testimony of profane art in the Amiata area.
Subsequently, once past the St. Michael's Gate, you reach the famous fishpond, the splendid garden-park of the Sforza counts, already a trout nursery in medieval times, where even today the spring waters of the Fiora River.
Finally, a visit to the Parish Church of Saints Flora and Lucilla, in the historic center, which houses the famous Robbiane terracottas, among the most important artistic expressions of Santa Fiora.

ABBADIA SAN SALVATORE (SI)

Residential Center summer and winter, Abbadia San Salvatore It is one of the most important and best equipped locations in the Mount AmiataThe historic heart of the town is the famous Abbey of San Salvatore, of which today remain the church and the suggestive cryptAccording to history and legend, the monastery - first Benedictine and then Cistercian - was founded around 750 AD by will of the Lombard king Spine, with the aim of controlling the Via Francigena, which ran in the valley below.
In addition to the Abbey, the following are definitely worth a visit: Church of the Hermes, along the road that leads to the mountain, the historic village, Mining Museum Park, Green Pond , sports citadel. Furthermore, approximately 16 km, on the road to Siena, you will find the renowned Terme di San Filippo, famous for their sulphurous waters, ideal for a relaxing break immersed in nature.
In every season, Abbadia San Salvatore is also an excellent starting point for excursions, trekking and outdoor activities on Mount Amiata, thanks to its proximity to woods, trails, and ski resorts. An ideal place for those seeking nature, culture and well-being in a single destination.

ROCCALBEGNA (GR)

Immersed in the suggestive landscape that connects the Mount Amiata to the thermal area of Saturnia, Roccalbegna rises along the upper course of the Albegna River, among pastures, broadleaf forests, cereal fields and spectacular limestone spurs. The entire area boasts ancient human presence. Neolithic and Etruscan, evidence of an area inhabited since prehistoric times.
Roccalbegna owes its “urban dignity” to the Republic of Siena, who ruled it from 1296 al 1751The heart of the village is the main square, which overlooks the Common, the Civic Tower with clock and the splendid Church of Saints Peter and PaulInside you can admire the famous triptych by Ambrogio Lorenzetti , Crucifixion by Francesco Nasini, authentic masterpieces of Tuscan art.
Not far away, in the Church of the Most Holy Crucifix, recognizable by its characteristic bell gable, is kept the Holy Crucifix attributed to Luca di Tommè (1360). Among the most important civil buildings, the following also stand out: Bichi-Ruspoli Palace and Wool Palace, which complete the historical charm of the village.

PIANCASTAGNAIO (SI)

Nestled on a plateau surrounded by lush vegetation of ferns and chestnut trees, piancastagnaio It is a charming village on Mount Amiata, dominated by the majestic Aldobrandesco Castle, protagonist of important historical events linked both to the Aldobrandeschi both ai Orsini, lords of Pitigliano in the late Middle Ages.
Today the Castle hosts a Museum and numerous cultural initiatives, and has undergone restorations that have enhanced its historical and architectural grandeur. Also noteworthy are the mighty medieval walls, which completed the natural defenses of the ancient settlement and tell a complex story, marked by the rivalries between the Aldobrandeschi, Orsini and Abbey of San Salvatore.
Alongside the historic centre, the most recent part of the town is pleasant, developed on the original plateau that gave its name to Piancastagnaio, leaving large green spaces with centuries-old chestnut trees. Here there are also two suggestive places of worship: the Church of Our Lady of San Pietro , St. Bartholomew's Church, which holds a precious fresco from the Sienese school of the fourteenth century.

ARCIDOSSO (GR)

Defined as a "pyramidal city" due to its particular shape, arcidosso it is dominated by the fairytale Aldobrandesco Castle, which stands on the summit of the ancient village, which has remained almost intact in its original appearance.
In the central Tuscany Course, the commercial heart of the country, are the suggestive Poggiolo Springs, a neo-Gothic cast iron monument from 1833, once located in Piazza del Duomo in Grosseto. A little further on opens Castle Gate, with its round arch, which introduces the historic center divided into three historic districts: Castle, Codaccio and Sant'Andrea.
In Castle District the restored one is located Unanimous Theater, home of the Amiata Academy, and the Church of San Niccolò, patron saint of the town, who guards a precious holy water stoup by Pietro Amati and a 16th century wooden crucifix.
In Codaccio District, accessible from Clock Gate, meet Talassese Street, where the Davide Lazzaretti's House.The Terziere of Sant'Andrea includes the homonymous Church of Sant'Andrea, with its imposing high altar, once the tomb of Gian Domenico Pèri. Finally, between Arcidosso and Montelaterone, the Romanesque Pieve ad Lamus, which holds a miraculous Wooden Madonna and splendid bas-reliefs.

SEGGIANO (GR)

Located approximately 63 km from Grosseto, 60 from Siena e 20 from the summit of Mount Amiata, seggiano it is a small village that includes a single hamlet, Pescina, and extends over a territory of approximately 50 km², characterized above all by the presence of olive trees. The oil itself, obtained from the prized Seggianese wild olive, still represents one of the country's main economic resources today.
First certified in 903 with the name of Senganu Farmhouse, Seggiano was born as a settlement linked to theAbbey of San SalvatoreAt the beginning of the thirteenth century an autonomous community was formed, while in the second half of the century Sienese rule was established, with the strengthening of the defensive structures and the acquisition of the Quarterdeck.
Approaching the village, surrounded by olive trees, the suggestive Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity, one of the most unique religious monuments in Amiata. It is the only complex in the Siena area in the Renaissance style. late sixteenth century influenced by the Central European Mannerism. Started in 1588 and probably completed in 1603, was built after a devastating famine. The exterior is striking for its rich façade and characteristic four-segmented brick dome, making it an absolutely unmissable stop.

CASTEL DEL PIANO (GR)

Located on the western side of the Mount Amiata, Castel del Piano It is a lively Tuscan village nestled in a landscape of hills, vineyards, and chestnut groves. Thanks to its strategic location, it has always been an important connection between the mountains and the Maremma.
The historic center retains a recognizable medieval layout, with characteristic alleys and lively squares. The heart of the town is the Parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses works of great artistic value, including the famous polyptych by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, a masterpiece of fourteenth-century Sienese painting.
Castel del Piano is also known for its strong connection with popular traditions, in particular for the Palio of, which enlivens the village every September, involving the entire community in an atmosphere of celebration and historical competition.
Today the town is an excellent starting point for exploring Mount Amiata, thanks to its proximity to nature trails, historic villages and ski resorts, and is an ideal destination for those who wish to combine nature, culture, food and wine, discovering the authentic flavors of the area.

Discover i medieval villages of Monte Amiata means embarking on a slow and authentic journey, made of historic stone centers, deep silences and panoramas that change color with the passing of the seasons. It is, first of all, letting yourself be surprised by a hidden square, From one Romanesque parish church encountered along the road or by the reflection of the water in a historic park. At the same time, each village tells a different story, made up of thousand-year-old abbeys, Aldobrandeschi castles, Renaissance frescoes and popular traditions that stand the test of time.

Furthermore, the towns described in these pages represent only a small part of the vast Amiata mosaic. Around them, there are other small towns, hamlets, and lesser-known places that deserve to be discovered slowly, perhaps without a specific destination, simply following the rhythm of the mountain. For this very reason, visiting Mount Amiata means enjoying an experience filled with constant surprises, including uncontaminated nature, , spirituality e authentic flavours.

On the other hand, what makes this territory truly special is its ability to give simple and profound emotions: here the nature embraces history And the welcome is still sincere. Whether it's a day trip or a longer vacation, Amiata invites you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and rediscover the pleasures of authenticity.