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.

Abbadia San Salvatore

The Abbey of San Salvatore is the most populated centre of the Amiata and it is located a few kilometres away from its summit which, located at 1738 metres above the sea level, is equipped of ski lifts and of roughly 15 kilometres of ski runs. It is also possible to practice cross-country skiing on runs going through woods of beeches famous for their beauty.

Abbadia San Salvatore »

Radicofani

The town of Radicofani offers the sight of wonderful landscapes, the famous Villa Medicea called "La Posta" and the church of San Pietro built in a Romanesque style. It is in the province o Siena at 780 m of altitude and it has a population of about 1200 inhabitants.

Radicofani »