Amiata

The mount Amiata, a volcanic massif between Grosseto and Siena, is nowadays a well known ski resort in the heart of Italy; it is rich in beeches, pines and chestnut trees, and its economy has always been characterized by its […]

The mount Amiata, a volcanic massif between Grosseto and Siena, is nowadays a well known ski resort in the heart of Italy; it is rich in beeches, pines and chestnut trees, and its economy has always been characterized by its natural resources: pastures, the forest and the local handicraft.

The Amiata mount belongs to the Maremma territory, an extremely interesting natural region, with a big nature park and several smaller faunal areas: the wood Rocconi, between Roccalbegna and Semproniano; the meadow Prato delle Macinaie, by Castel del Piano; the nature reserve of the mount Penna, by Piancastagnaio.

Important medieval centres belong to the territory as well: Castiglion D’Orcia, with its church Santa Maria Maddalena and the Aldobrandi fortress; Abbadia San Salvatore wit the clock tower and the splendid Benedictine abbey; Castel del Piano with its church dedicated to the Saints Niccolò and Lucia, and many other smaller centres.

The Amiata region includes other important medieval villages, like: Radicofani (the former border between Tuscany and Lazio) with its Medici’s villa and the renowned fortress; Piancastagnaio with its city walls and the parish church Santa Maria Assunta; Santa Flora with its Renaissance park; Peschiera and its Sforza Palace in the town centre.