Mount Amiata’s hamlets that are worth a visit

Mount Amiata is a huge mountain situated in the southern part of Tuscany, not far from Montepulciano. We would say it’s a mountain range, the top of which is 1738 meters above sea level. For those who live nearby, Mount Amiata represents a treasure trove of things to do all the year. During the summer, Mount Amiata is great for finding some relief from the heat and for walking and hiking as well. In winter, Mount Amiata is the perfect destination for skiing lovers.
What else? Mount Amiata can also satisfy those tourists seeking culture, history and genuine local food. Its slopes are dotted with many hamlets perfect for a one-day trip under the hallmark of history and natural tastes.

The hamlets we recommend in this short article offer, beside a landscape postcard, all the suggestion of past centuries , in some ways, still alive: when these places where crowded by knights and peasants whose stories and legends are still part of the local culture. Below you will find some amongst the most picturesque hamlets of Mount Amiata.

Abbadia San Salvatore

Abbadia San Salvatore offers its visitors an antique Langobardic abbey, built in 750 to supervise the passage of soldiers, knights and peasants on the Via Francigena. In Abbadia San Salvatore you can also visit the Minery Museum, related to the former activity of cinnabar mines in this area.
The ancient hamlet is also worth a visit. If you fancy a truly relaxing moment, you must not miss a pit stop in San Filippos’ thermal area, just a few minutes away from Abbadia San Salvatore.

Arcidosso

Arcidosso is the classic medieval hamlet on the very top of a small mountain. The town is built around a castle that looks like the classic enchanted one of any children’s story. You cannot miss it, especially if you are traveling with your children!

Castel Del Piano

Castel Del Piano is quite famous for its traditional Palio, a suggestive race that takes place every year on September 8th to celebrate its patron, Santa Maria delle Grazie. Castel Del Piano is also worth a visit for its several historical buildings, used as private dwelling of wealthy families but also loggias, wine cellars and much more.

Castiglione d’Orcia

Castiglione D’Orcia represents the perfect destination for a one-day trip to Mount Amiata’s slopes. Here you must not leave out a visit to Saint Maria Maddalena and Santo Stefano and Degnana churches, where you can see two Madonna with Child by Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini exposed. Two great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance!

Cinigiano

Cinigiano is well-known among the trekking-lovers as it’s situated in the middle of the Regional Nature Reserve Poggio dell’Olmo: a beautiful protected area perfect for walking, mountain-biking, taking pictures and birdwatching.

Piancastagnaio

Another hamlet that is worth a visit is Piancastagnaio, with its charming Rocca Aldobrandesca, a fortified castle interesting not only for its huge architecture, but also for the interesting exhibitions it houses throughout the whole year.

Santa Fiora

Santa Fiora is one of the most evocative hamlets of Mount Amiata: in Santa Flora you can visit the suggestive Peschiera, a lush garden that belonged to the Sforza family, that includes a characteristic natural lake.

Credits preview photo: upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Monte_Amiata_-_panoramio_%281%29.jpg