Discover Maremma with Montebelli

Transcription

Discover Maremma with Montebelli
Discover Maremma with Montebelli
We want you to get the best out of your visit to Maremma in
Tuscany. Therefore, we have put together this travel guide for
all our guests.
Montebelli Agriturismo and Country Hotel is set in a perfect
place for you to explore and enjoy what all that Maremma has
to offer.
Contents at a glance
The Maremma coastline...............................................2
Castiglione della Pescaia.................................................3
Cala Violina & Scarlino Bandite........................................4
Punta Ala Golf Club..........................................................5
Mount Argentario, Giglio and Giannutri Islands...............6
Elba Island........................................................................7
Maremma countryside and natural reserves............8
Metalliferous Hills ............................................................9
The Maremma Regional Park.........................................10
Val di Cornia Parks.........................................................11
Monte Amiata.................................................................12
Retreats.........................................................................13
The Montebelli labyrinth.................................................14
Selva di Sogno...............................................................14
The Daniel Spoerri garden..............................................15
Giardino dei Tarocchi......................................................15
Beauty farms and spas in Maremma........................16
Calidario.........................................................................17
Petriolo thermal baths....................................................17
Saturnia..........................................................................18
The History of Maremma ...........................................19
Vetulonia, Roselle and Lake Accesa the cradle of Etruscan civilization...................................20
Massa Marittima.............................................................21
Grosseto – the historic town center...............................22
The tufa stone hamlets of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana.....23
San Galgano...................................................................24
Sant’Antimo....................................................................25
Food and drink in Maremma......................................26
Wine tasting in the hills...................................................27
The land of Morellino Scansano and Magliano in Toscana...............................28
Maremma for kids........................................................29
Monte Amiata wildlife park.............................................30
Gallorose Park................................................................30
The mineral park of Gavorrano.......................................30
Events at a glance.......................................................31
1
The Maremma Coastline
2
Castiglione della Pescaia
Distance from Montebelli: 25 Km by car or bicycle
Castiglione della Pescaia is a gem of the Tuscan Maremma
and the seaside resort closest to Montebelli. This charming
fishing village has both sandy and pebble beaches and a
number of restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood
specialities.
Beaches:
Castiglione della Pescaia’s main beach is sandy with shallow water and is walking distance from the town.
What to visit:
The medieval village with its magnificent castle is a mustsee. Why not take an evening walk and enjoy the stunning
views over the Diaccia Botrona nature reserve, Uccellina
mountain, Maremma nature park, Argentario and Giglio
island.
Sports:
Kite Surfing / Trekking
Something for the kids:
The Ximenes Red House multimedia museum is a great
visit for children giving them information on the wildlife that
call the Diaccia Botrona Natural reserve home.
Not to be missed:
Relax with a glass of wine and watch the local fishing boats
sail into the harbour at each day at 5pm.
The “Palio Marinaro dell’Assunta” is held on August 15. The
festival sees areas of the town take each other on in a boat
race on the sea. This is followed by a firework show in the
evening. The day before the race sees a traditional ceremony to bless both the Palio and the area. This is followed
by a procession to the sea front.
Take advantage of our special offers with our beach
resort partners for a relaxing day basking in the sun.
For more information contact us at [email protected]
3
Cala Violina &
Scarlino Bandite
Distance from Montebelli: 30Km
Cala Violina is the most beautiful beach along the Maremma coastline and was named in the top 11 most beautiful beaches in Italy by the Italian Environmentalist group
Legambiente.
Beaches:
Cala Violina beach enjoys the dramatic backdrop of the
Scarlino Bandite natural reserve. It is enclosed in two
different headlands covered with the lush Mediterranean
vegetation of the “Bandite di Scarlino” Natural Reserve.
The beach owes its name to the particular nature of the
fine white sand it has which tends to produce a “violin-like”
sound when you walk bare foot on it.
What to visit:
Cala Violina is located inside the Bandite di Scarlino Nature
Reserve, located between Castiglione della Pescaia, Gavorrano, Scarlino and Follonica. Here you can find over 50
trails for walkers and cyclists. With over 50 routes available
there is plenty of choice for tourists and locals alike.
Sports:
Snorkeling / Cycling / Trekking
Not to be missed:
The coastline trail is accessible on foot, by bicycle or on
horseback. It offers a magnificent view which takes in the
bay of Follonica, the Piombino, Elba Island, the Isle of Cerboli, Montecristo, the peninsula of Punta Ala and, if particularly lucky, the Corsica mountains.
“Le corriere del 19”, 19 August
Let our Chef Clarence prepare you a tasty packed lunch
for you to enjoy on the beach.
4
Punta Ala Golf Club
Distance from Montebelli: 37 Km
Punta Ala is a popular beach resort located at the edge of
the Gulf of Follonica in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Punta Ala is famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches
and its exclusive tourist harbor which is the largest in Maremma, boasting 14 nautical quays.
Beaches:
Sparviero island lies just off the coast. You can visit this
spectacular rocky island and see its distinctive animal-shaped rocks such as the little pigs and the shark cliffs.
What to visit:
Take a trip to see the fortification system which was built
in the Middle Ages to defend the coastline from marauding
pirates. The system includes Punta Ala Castle, the Hidalgo
tower, and the Appiani tower located on Sparviero island.
Sports:
Waterskiing / Sailing and windsurfing school / Golf /
Trekking
Not to be missed:
Punta Ala harbor and its prestigious yacht club was the
birthplace of America’s Cup winner the Luna Rossa. Why
not visit the club and take in one of their yacht races and
events.
Punta Ala Golf Club is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Italy. Why not take time out and enjoy a round of
18-holes. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery. You can
also take part in the club’s extensive program of competitions especially during the summer.
Check out the exclusive Punta Ala Golf Club discounts for
Montebelli’s guests.
5
Mount Argentario, Giglio
and Giannutri Islands
Distance from Montebelli: 75Km
Mount Argentario is one of the most beautiful peninsulas in
Italy with unspoiled beaches and a beautiful bay. It’s linked
to the mainland by two strips of land, Tombolo della Feniglia and Tombolo della Giannella. Just off the peninsula,
you’ll find the beautiful Giglio and Giannutri islands which
are only 15 and 12 kms away.
Beaches:
This beautiful unspoilt coastline is mainly made of rocky
coves and bays and is the perfect habitat for a variety of
wildlife. The area is also protected and was designated a
“whale sanctuary in 1991.
What to visit:
Porto Santo Stefano is a charming seaside town which is
dominated by an impressive fortress built by the Spanish
who occupied this area. The fortress hosts a permanent
exhibition called “Maestri d’Ascia” which gives fascinating
insight into the ancient craft of boat and ship building.
Another picturesque town to visit is Porto Ercole. The historic heart of this medieval town is truly captivating and surrounded by the town walls which date back to the second
half of the fifteenth century.
Sports:
Diving / Snorkeling / Trekking
Something for the kids:
Patanella forest is the perfect place for a family day out.
With its enchanting lagoons and tall pine trees, it’s just
great for long walks. Keep your eyes peeled for the wide
selection of wildlife including flamingos, great herons, cormorants and small belt kingfishers who nest there.
Not to be missed:
The Palio Marinaro Argentario takes place on 15th August
in Porto Santo Stefano. and sees a hotly contested boat
race between the four areas of the town.
Candlelight procession to the sea followed by fireworks –
Porto Ercole 2 June
For more information contact us at [email protected]
6
Elba Island
Distance from Montebelli: 92Km
Why not take a day to visit Elba. We recommend you leave
early and head to Piombino which is 50 km from Montebelli. From there you can catch the ferry to the island where
you’ll arrive at Portoferraio. Ferries leave every 40 minutes.
Beaches:
Immersed in Elba’s lush Meditteranean vegetation, Lido di
Capoliveri is found half way between Portoferraio and Porto
Azzurro. With many bars and restaurants, Lido di Capoliveri
is popular for younger visitors to the island.
Marina di Campo is the largest beach on the island and one
of the most beautiful. Its fine white silky sand make it the
ideal place for children.
What to visit:
With so many historically and cultural places to visit on
Elba, it’s impossible to squeeze everything into one day. We
therefore suggest a trip to the Palazzina dei Mulini, Napoleon’s residence which is found in the historic centre of
Portoferraio.
Sports:
Diving / Snorkeling / Trekking
Something for the kids:
Cavoli beach is on the south of the island and just a few
kilometers away from the town of Marina di Campo. With
a sandy beach and clear blue shallow sea it’s just the right
spot for families with young children.
The larger Lacona beach is also near Marina di Campo.
With a pine forest as a beautiful backdrop, you can cool off
in the shade when it gets too hot. The Dune Park Fun park
is just nearby with bouncy castles and countless attractions
for children of all ages.
Ask at the Montebelli reception directions on how to
reach Piombino harbour and purchase ferry boats ticket.
7
Maremma countryside
and natural reserves
8
Metalliferous Hills
Distance from Montebelli: 32Km
The Metalliferous Hills are famous for their mineral deposits
which have been mined since the Middle Ages. The most
important mines are found in Montieri and Gavorrano.
What to visit:
There are a number of interesting historical sites in the area
which are worth a visit such as Roccatederighi castle with
its famous clock tower, the ancient fortified town of Montepescali with its bridge house, Scarlino Castle which dates
back to the 10th century, and the wonderfully named San
Biagio church in Caldana.
Sports:
Trekking / Mountain Bike
Something for the kids:
The natural mineral park in Gavorrano is a great place for
kids to find out more about Geology how minerals are formed, and how mines are built. The park boasts two distinct
mineral areas, Parco delle Rocce and Ravi-Marchi.
Not to be missed:
The Mid-August festival (Festa di Mezz’agosto) is held in
Caldana on 15th August. You can try local specialities, taste
wine and visit a local craft market.
If you’re a wine-lover then the Autumn festival (Festa d’autunno) is held in Caldana and sees the local wine cellars opening their doors to visitors. There is also an art and craft fair.
The magical “Medioevo nel borgo” takes place in the first
weekend of August and sees the townsfolk of Roccatederighi dress up in Medieval costumes. You’ll be able to mix
with knights, ladies, peasants as well as displays of ancient
arts. At night the town is lit by torchlight and minstrels play
and magicians cast their magical spells!
What better way to explore the Maremma countryside
than a moonlight horse trek near Montebelli.
9
The Maremma Regional Park
Distance from Montebelli: 45Km
A must-see when you visit Maremma is the Regional Park,
also known as the Uccellina Park with a number of trekking
trails to choose from, you can explore the many faces of
the Maremma landscape. From gentle hills and expansive
white beaches, to imperiously tall pine forests.
What to visit:
With the area of great strategic importance in medieval times there are many watch towers which adorn the
landscape. The towers were part of a warning and defence
network for the fortresses in Castiglione della Pescaia and
Talamone. Towers are found at Cala Forno, Cannelle, Capo
d’Uomo, Uccellina and Bella Marsilia.,
Sports:
Trekking / Horseriding / Canoeing / Bird Watching
Something for the kids:
Foxes, deer, hares, wild boars and many more! There are
loads of fun activities for kids to find out more about the
wildlife that calls the park home
Not to be missed:
Enjoy the gentle pace of the park with a gentle ride in one
of the horse-drawn carriages. Alternatively, you can enjoy
wine tasting, try some of the local dishes and enjoy an
evening swim.
Pick up a delicious packed lunch prepared by our Chef
Clarence. Get even more information on the best places
to visit from our staff.
10
Val di Cornia Parks
Distance from Montebelli: 50Km
Val di Cornia Parks are a set of parks in Grosseto and
Livorno and provide a harmonious blend of literature and
archeology.
What to visit:
Take a trip to Baratti and Populonia Park which lies between the slopes of Piombino promontory. The park is the site
of the ancient Etruscan and Roman city of Populonia which
was famous for its iron production. Another place of interest is the Archeological-Mining Park located in Campiglia
Marittima. The park has many things to see such as museums, mining tunnels, a mining town and nature trails.
Sports:
Trekking / Canoeing / Bird watching
Something for the kids:
If you’re looking for sea and sand then the beach at Torre
Mozza is both sandy and has shallow waters. Wanting something more educational? Visit the Museum in the Woods
(Museo nel Bosco) which reveals the life of the Carboneri,
groups of secret revolutionary societies founded in early
19th-century Italy who were set up to resist the repressive
political situation in post 1815 Italy. .
Not to be missed:
Why not take a guided tour of the Montioni Nature park
with its rich wildlife including wild boar, deer and roe deer.
You can walk around the whole park following the Poggio
Saracino path which passes through the woods, ancient
mines and bunkers.
Go on one of Montebelli’s mini tours to the historic towns
of Tuscany.
11
Monte Amiata
Distance from Montebelli: 90Km
Monte Amiata is the only true mountain in Maremma sitting
between Grosseto and Siena. This dormant volcano is the
ideal destination for those who love wildlife and nature.
What to visit:
This area is full of history and the scene of many a bloody
battle and ancient pilgrimages through the ages. Don’t miss
the many medieval villages such as Arcidosso, Castel del
Piano and Santa Fiora.
Sports:
Trekking / Horseriding / Bird Watching / Skiing / Snowboarding
Something for the kids:
There’s plenty to keep the kids happy including the Parco
Faunistico, a nature park in Monte Amiata. Here you can
get up close to the animals living in the woods.
For a bit of excitement, why not visit the Indiana Park in
Amiata, adventure park for all ages in a beautiful forest near
the beach.
Not to be missed:
The Chestnut festival (La castagna in festa) takes place in
Arcidosso in October. Enjoy local wines and a wide variety
of chestnut-based dishes.
The Palio delle Contrade is held in Castel Piano in September. The event starts with a traditional medieval procession
followed by a traditional horserace contested by riders
representing the different areas of the town. The event also
sees historical reenactments, music and horseback riding.
“Santa Fiora in Musica” is a music festival held in July and
August in Santa Fiora. It sees musicians playing in the streets and squares of the town.
The Amiata micro-brewery is a great place to taste local
beer including chestnut beer.
For more information: [email protected]
12
Retreats
13
The Montebelli Labyrinth
Distance from Montebelli: 0Km
Life is a sacred and spiritual journey full of labyrinths, for
walking meditation which hold a feminine, embracing energy where we can connect more easily to our own intuition
and imagination and also make contact with our life vision
and purpose.
Walking the labyrinth, is an opportunity to make contact
with your own body, with our sensations, movements,
temperature, shape, texture, touch and become aware of
the present moment. The Labyrinth of Montebelli is a small
tribute to mother nature and human kind, a sacred and
intimate place for contemplation, self-reflection and personal growth where one can walk, dance, pray, sing or simply
slow down and listen to the stillness of silence.
www.montebelli.com
Selva di Sogno
Distance from Montebelli: 50Km
Selva di Sogno is a beautiful garden in Chiusdino filled with
stone sculptures created by artist Deva Manfredo who sees
stone as a symbol of longevity. The park is open from March to November and offers guided tours in the evenings.
The place is great for children with fun activities for them to
create their own stone sculptures and get them interested
in art.
www.devanmanfredo-stoneart.com
14
The Daniel Spoerri garden
Distance from Montebelli: 86Km
Created by Swiss artist Daniel Spoerri in the 90s, this is a
magical collection of pieces by over 50 international artists.
Guided tours and information on each piece are available
at the garden which is 16 hectares! The garden also houses
Daniel Spoerri’s studio and a restaurant offering a taste of
traditional Tuscan dishes.
www.danielspoerri.org
Giardino dei tarocchi
Distance from Montebelli: 90Km
Giardino dei Tarocchi is an artistic garden in Garavicchio
created by French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle who
makes sculptures inspired by the Major Arcana of the Tarot
cards.
The garden resembles a real “city” with a number of coloured buildings which house the sculptures.
This is an ideal place to take the children. Dogs on a leash
are allowed too.
Botanical paths and artwork for a green holiday:
Montebelli will help you choosing the best places!
15
Beauty farms and spas
in Maremma
16
Calidario
Distance from Montebelli: 45km
Calidario is a small, ancient lake with a natural hot spring
located in the town of Venturina Terme. With a temperature
of 36°C, the spring flows directly from a natural Etruscan
source and is rich in beneficial mineral properties. It is an
ideal beauty treatment to relax and refresh your senses in
an inspiring setting.
Spa treatments:
Holistic stress beating treatments | sensory trails
Not to be missed:
The thermal baths are in a picturesque setting. Facilities
include a sauna, a Turkish bath, emotional showers, whirlpools, an area to relax in and a tea room.
Petriolo thermal baths
Distance from Montebelli: 60km
The thermal baths of Petriolo are located inside the Basso
Merse Nature Reserve, between Grosseto and Siena. This
natural pool with its sulphurous waters was well known to
the people of ancient Rome.
Spa treatments:
Thermal body toning massage | Shiatsu | Detoxifying thermal mud treatment
Not to be missed:
The ancient hamlet of Civitella Paganico is close by. Admire
its medieval gates (Senese, Gorella and Grossetana), old
brick house with its loggia that dates back to the 14001500s, its walls and the Church of St Michael Archangel.
The traditional donkey race, locally known as the “Palio dei
Ciuchi”, takes place every September in Campagnatico.
17
Saturnia
Distance from Montebelli: 85km
The thermal baths of Saturnia are a group of hot springs
located in the town of Manciano, just a few kilometers from
the village of Saturnia. The spa complex dates back to ancient times and offers a range of natural pools and open-air
sites.
Spa Treatments:
Holistic treatments | beauty treatments | /personalised
massages
What to visit:
The Archeological Museum of Saturnia offers a dive into the
past. Make a visit to the Etruscan necropolis, the Roman
Villas and the beautiful medieval castles.
Not to be missed:
The “natural hot springs of Saturnia” is the largest oasis
in the southern tip of Tuscany, with four hot water pools,
whirlpools and cold-hot water vascular treatment baths.
Visit the Montebelli Spa Centre for
total body and mind wellness!
www.montebelli.it/Spa.aspx
18
The History of Maremma
19
Vetulonia, Roselle and
Lake Accesa - the cradle
of Etruscan civilization
Distance from Montebelli: Vetulonia 10km, Roselle
30km, Lake Accesa 20km
Italy’s ancient people, the Etruscans, chose the Maremma
in the southern tip of Tuscany as its favourite settlement
and ideal place to establish the cradle of its civilisation.
Today, visitors can discover their cemeteries and the ruins
they left along the coast of Tuscany as invaluable remnants
of distant times.
A journey through history:
Vetulonia was founded between the eighth and seventh
century BC, but was probably inhabited before that. The
cemetery, tombs and the museum of archaeology are ideal
places for learning about Italy’s ancient people. The archaeological site of Roselle has quite a large excavated Roman
town with some Etruscan remains: the 4th-century public
baths, the forum and what remains of the Roman cult buildings, the Etruscan temple (the oldest discovered part of
the town), amphitheatre and baths of Hadrian.
Lake Accesa, with its Etruscan Park, offers interesting
landscape for both nature lovers and history buffs. A stroll
under the trees offers the perfect blend of nature and archaeological beauty.
Something for the kids:
The astronomical observatory in Roselle organises summer
events to encourage children (and adults) to learn about
the science of the stars.
Not to be missed:
The “ palla eh” tournament in Vetulonia is a game originally played by the ancient Romans and is definitely worth
seeing.
“Bivouac with the Butteri” in Roselle is a show where
Maremma cowboys practise traditional farm work such as
cattle breeding and dressage followed by an open air lunch
or dinner with local products.
Discover the ancient traditions of the Maremma cowboys:
information at the Montebelli reception desk.
20
Massa Marittima
Distance from Montebelli: 25km
A medieval town of rare beauty nestled in the hills, rich in
history with a stunning landscape and architectural beauty.
The Cathedral, the Town Hall and the Mayor’s residence are
all in the main square.
Great places to visit:
The cathedral, built between the 11th and 13th century on
the site of an older church, is the most important historical
building in town. Dedicated to Saint Cerbonius (San Cerbone), it has different architectural features, such as Pisan
Romanesque and influences of the Sienese School.
It holds several important works of art: the Arch of Saint
Cerbonius (1324) by Goro di Gregorio, the baptismal font
(1297) by Giroldo da Como and Duccio di Boninsegna’s
“Madonna and Child” (ca. 1316).
Something for the kids:
The National Park has traces of past mining, silver and copper extraction, which was a typical activity in this corner of
Tuscany for over three thousand years. A visit to the mines
takes you on a journey through history with Etruscan and
medieval archaeological finds and a landscape of hamlets
and castles.
Not to be missed:
“Balestro del Girifalco “ is a traditional archery competition
with ancient Italian style crossbows taking place every 4th
Sunday in May and 2nd Sunday in August.
“Festa di San Cerbone “ on 10 October is a festival in medieval costumes where the people gather in the main square of the old town and make their way to Piazza Garibaldi,
where they celebrate holy mass in the cathedral.
“Lirica in Piazza”, every August is a month of magical music
with operas and passion plays staged in the squares of
Massa Marittima (http://www.liricainpiazza.it/)
“Calici sotto le stelle” 10 August
Montebelli organises guided minibus tours to Massa
Marittima (a 30-minute drive)
21
Grosseto - the historic
town center
Distance from Montebelli: 25km
The historic town centre of Grosseto with its irregular old
walls preserves treasures from yester year. Navigating
through the narrow streets makes a splendid day out: shop
for souvenirs, admire the beauty of the cathedral, and stop
for a coffee in one the many cafés.
Great places to visit:
The cathedral is dedicated to San Lorenzo, the patron saint
of Grosseto. Building began in 1294 but wars against Siena
meant delays in its completion. It holds art works of rare
beauty, such as the 15th-century glass panelling, the baptismal font and the altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Something for the kids:
The Museum of Archeology and the Museum of Natural
History of Maremma are both well worth a visit and a must
for history buffs.
Not to be missed:
Festambiente from 10 to 17 August
Palio di Siena: 2 July and 16 August
Let Montebelli help you organise your trip
22
The tufa stone hamlets
of Pitigliano, Sorano and
Sovana
Distance from Montebelli: Pitigliano 112km - Sorano
107 Km - Sovana 111 km
Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana are a special triangle of tufa
rock villages and towns. In ancient times, the intertwining
narrow roads were connected to the Etruscan cemetery
built in the cliffs. Today, exploring their incredible surroundings offers an unexpected experience that alights the
imagination.
Great places to visit:
The archaeological park of the city of tufa (Parco Archeologico
Citta del Tufo”) in Sorano (just outside Sovana). This 16-hectare park features some of the most important historical and
archaeological treasures in the area, including the Etruscan
cemetery of Sovana, one of the gratest collections of tombs
carved in the cliff. The park also hosts the Etruscan Museum
of Sovana and the Renaissance Museum of Sorano.
Did you know?
Pitigliano is also known as “Little Jerusalem” with its parapets, ceramic tile roofs and multi-tiered buildings, a gem
to discover by navigating its narrow streets and impressive
archways. The synagogue is one of the most distinctive
buildings in the old town.
The local Christmas cake (“sfratto”) is made in the traditional Jewish tradition with walnuts and honey, and then rolled
into thin sticks.
Not to be missed:
“Torciata di San Giuseppe”, 19 March in Pitigliano, is an
ancient ritual to celebrate the arrival of spring. About 40
hooded men carrying fire torches walk to the village centre
where they burn a huge man of straw (“invernacciu”) to
symbolise the end of winter.
“Settembre di vino” (September Wine) is a traditional festival in the tufa stone wine cellars serving local food and
wine to the sound of music.
Discover the historical Tuscan origins with Montebelli:
mini guided tours with transportation are scheduled to
Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana.
23
San Galgano
Distance from Montebelli: 58Km
The monumental complex of Saint Galgano rises approximately 30 km to the west of Siena in a wild and unspoilt
landscape. The Abbey, which was built by the Cistercians
on the site of a chapel commissioned by the knight, Galgano Guidotti, became one of the most important monasteries
in Tuscany, and is considered to be one of the most prestigious examples of Italian Gothic-Cistercian architecture.
What to visit:
The Abbey has represented throughout the centuries an
important stop and point of reference for travellers, pilgrims
and people. Today visitors can enjoy spectator views inside
and outside the ruins. Next to the Abbey, is the lovely little
church at Montesiepi with its famous “sword in the stone”,
believed to date back to the 12th century.
Not to be missed:
The Montesiepi hermitage is said to hold the secret of
Excalibur. Legend has it that San Galgano plunged his
sword into the rock when he became a hermit, abandoning
his life as a wealthy lord with its worldly riches.
Ask Montebelli for itineraries to follow and discover the
old traditions of Maremma.
24
Sant’Antimo
Distance from Montebelli: 79km
Sant’ Antimo is also known as “dell’Abate” (the abbot’s place) because his residence was once built inside the walls
of the medieval hamlet. The abbey of Sant’Antimo is one
of the most important examples of 13th-century monastic
architecture and certainly the most important Romanesque
monument in southern Tuscany.
The inside features three naves and round arches resting on
columns with alabaster capitals, all carved with geometrical, human, animal and flowers motifs.
Also worth a visit
The Church of Saints Philip and James (Chiesa di S. Filippo
e Giacomo) is the main church in town with a travertine
panel façade and a small rose window in the middle.
Not to be missed:
The hamlet is a trove of hidden art works. The Abbey hosts
a wooden sculpture of the “Madonna with Child” and
several masterpieces from the middle ages. The Church of
Saints Philip and James is decorated with frescoes by Ventura Salimbeni, one of late followers of the Sienese School
during the Renaissance.
Montebelli organises short product tasting tours upon
request
25
Food and drink in
Maremma
26
Wine tasting in the hills
Distance from Montebelli: maximum 32km
The coastal, hilly area of Monteregio di Massa Marittima
has a special microclimate and soil suited to making wines
that display unique organoleptic qualities. This rural area
has many farms that sell their produce directly on their premises and also organise tasting sessions.
The farms:
“Azienda Agricola Montebelli” grows vines and oil that
are 100% organic. It regularly organises wine and olive oil
tastings, usually at its vineyards. Guests are escorted to the
vineyards for the wine tasting session via a farm tour on a
jeep.
“Rocca di Frassinello” is located in Giuncarico and produces different types of fine wines. The farm organises visits
to the winery, which was designed by the well-known architect Renzo Piano, also offering wine tastings.
The “Fattoria Le Mortelle” is quite close to Castiglione della
Pescaia and grows fruits and vines with organic farming
methods.
You can visit their winery and taste their products.
The “Tenuta del Fontino” in Massa Marittima produces
DOC wine and breeds “cinta senese” pigs.
The “Rocca di Montemassi”, not far from the Hamlet of
Montemassi, is a symbol of traditional rural life in Maremma. You can enjoy some wine tasting and visit their winery,
as well as the museum on rural culture.
Montebelli organises wine and food tasting tours upon
request.
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The land of Morellino Scansano and Magliano in
Toscana
Distance from Montebelli: 60km
The land extending towards the sea south west of Grosseto
is known for the world-famous wine of Morellino di Scansano, the local Tuscan Sangiovese DOCG.
For all wine connoisseurs this area is worth visiting for
tastings tours of local wines and food products such as
bruschetta with oil and salami.
What to visit:
The hamlets of Scansano and Magliano have beautiful
architectural features in their palaces, walls and archways
and the hilly landscape in which they are set is simply one
of a kind. In a landscape that is quite simply unique.
You can discover the archaeological site with Etruscan
ruins called “Ghiaccio Forte” or visit the military fortress
within the grounds of the Castle of Montorgiali.
The ruins of the Abbey of San Bruzio, an example of Romanic architecture, are also quite impressive.
Did you know?
Outside the walls of Magliano, passing through the archway
of San Giovanni, you will discover the witches’ olive tree
which dates back to medieval times. The name dates back
many centuries when considered to be sacred with Sabbatical rituals taking place.
Not to be missed:
“Festa dell’uva”, Scansano, last Sunday of September
“Vinellando” ,Magliano, wine tasting of the local Morellino,
August
Montebelli organises product tasting tours upon request.
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Maremma for kids
29
Monte Amiata wildlife park
Distance from Montebelli: 70km
The park is located inside the Nature Reserve of Monte
Labbro in the area around Arcidosso. Discover the different
kinds of animals that inhabit the park, from deer, roebucks
and wolves to horses and donkeys from the Amiata mountain. The park offers different types of trekking trails, as well
as places to relax and take in the landscape.
Gallorose Park
Distance from Montebelli: 75km
Parco Gallorose in the countryside near Cecina is a children’s farm offering enjoyable and educational hands on
experience for kids of all ages. Special emphasis is on local
animals but the farm also breeds some exotic animals. The
3.4 km itinerary is a discovery of up to 180 different breeds
of animals.
The mineral park of
Gavorrano
Distance from Montebelli: 10km
The Mining Park of Gavorrano represents a unique opportunity to learn more about the life of the miners living at the
end of the last century.
Today you can discover the mineral park and the Ravi Marchi mine. The mineral park is practically at the entrance to
the park, leading to a gallery where a multimedia museum
illustrates how the miners used to work. The educational
itinerary shows how the mineral was extracted and taken to
the processing plant.
In our Kids’ Club, your children will have lots of fun
playing and learning with creative and educational games
while they enjoy the Tuscan countryside.
30
Events at a glance
March:
“Torciata di San Giuseppe” takes place in Pitigliano on 19
March. Pag. 23
May:
“Balestro del Girifalco”, on the fourth Sunday of May. Pag. 21
“Maremma Wine and Food Expo”, Grosseto, 16-18 May.
Pag. 22
June:
Summer concerts in San Galgano, from June to September.
Pag. 24
Candlelight procession to the sea followed by fireworks –
Porto Ercole 2 June - Pag. 6
July:
“Santa Fiora in Musica”, a music festival in the town’s streets and squares with entertainment and music, in July and
August. Pag. 12
Palio di Siena, 2 July, Siena - Pag. 22
August:
“ Lirica in Piazza”, Massa Marittima, August
“Vinellando”, Magliano, August with local Morellino winetasting. Pag 28
“Medioevo nel borgo” in Roccatederighi, first weekend of
August
“Balestro del Girifalco”, Massa Marittima, second Sunday
of August
“Sagra del Cinghiale e del Tortello”, Montepescali. Pag. 9
“Festa di Mezz’agosto” in Caldana with traditional food,
wine and crafts on display, 1-15 August
“Calici sotto le stelle”, Massa Marittima, 10 August - Pag. 21
Festambiente from 10 to 17 August, Grosseto - Pag. 22
Palio di Siena, 16 August, Siena - Pag. 22
“Palio Marinaro dell’Assunta”, Castiglione della Pescaia, 15
August
The Palio of Argentario, 15 August
“Le Corriere del 19”, Scarlino, 19 August - Pag. 4
Vetulonia, a Tuscan game, end of August
September:
“Palio delle Contrade”, Castel Piano
31
The traditional donkey race “Palio dei Ciuchi” in Campagnatico.
“Settembre di vino”, Pitigliano
“Festa dell’uva”, Scansano
October:
Festa d’autunno, Caldana
La castagna in festa”, Arcidosso
Festa di San Cerbone, 10 October , Massa Marittima
Festa delle cantine, Sorano, 31 October - 3 November
32

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