Amiata mountain
The Amiata is the mountain. That that each of us has probably imagined in own imagination.
The Amiata is the mountain. That that each of us has probably imagined in own imagination. That that a child can draw on a white sheet: a beautiful triangolone, or perhaps a cone, with the green slopes, more irtes in top and as declining in more and more sweet lawns. With a beautiful radiant sun to the shoulders, the lowland all around, at times with the peak innevata. In effects it is really this way. An ancient volcano that is imposed stately, in his splendid isolation, on the sour landscapes of the Maremma and the sweet hills of the clays senesi. This is what it is seen, from far or with the eyes of the imagination, but the wonder grows when they cross the roads, the countries are visited, it is gone for paths. You express a desire, assemble you on what you would like to meet. The wood of your dreams, probably. A great continuous forest - they are also there the white firs - chestnut trees before and then, to climb, the beech trees. A forest that covers the whole mountain, interrupted only from rivers and streams of crystalline water and from ski footsteps for winters all to ski. You would perhaps like to meet bucks, caprioli and fallow deer, and to observe the wolves without taking some risk.
History:
The origin of Amiata is in the pre-historic creation of a volcano which was active for millenniums, before to become the first source of living for the people who inhabited it. Amiata – the name derives from the German “Heimat”, ‘cause the Lombardians, coming to the Mountain, recognized it as their “homeland” – was in fact full of the basic elements for life: water, food, fire and earth. All around the cone, twelve little villages were created during the Middle Age, thanks also the Francigena road, which passed at the slope of the mountain, and the San Salvatore Abbey, which ruled the region of the South Tuscany, as well as part of Lazio and Umbria, before the Lombardians built their fortresses and castles in each borough to control the land.
Century of history went by since then, leaving on Amiata traces of artists and mysticals and philosophers, but the geographic position always gave to this marvellous place the role of – to use the words of the writer Ernesto Balducci, who was born in Santa Fiora – an “island in terra firma”.
Nature:
Very precious animals: harrier eagles, bats, hobbies, sparrow-hawks, lanners, wolves, vultures (the Egyptian Vulture in particular), reptiles, wild mammals and so on. In these last years a project to recover and protect country and domestic animals – not rare until a few years ago, but becoming always less numerous – gave a new life to the Cinta Senese pig (a medieval pig, probably born on Amiata) and the Amiata Donkey, a beautiful and strong “miccio”. The protected areas are cared for by institutions working for the protection of the environment and the scientific research.
Itineraries in Monte Amiata:
Touristic and naturalistc guides of Amiata propose you to visit woods and forests, to cross the rivers, to enter grottoes and caves, to walk along a territory rich in herbs and animals and finally to examine works of art, traces of a past still present. You will enjoy in discovering the ruins of a Jewish community in Piancastagnaio or the first bread borgo in Italy, Roccalbegna. To walk on Amiata – and visit it without haste, meditating. It’s a real spiritual experience.
Sport and leisure:
SKI
The lovers of ski will find on Amiata 15 climbing facilities, able to transport them from four different points (Prato della Contessa, Prato delle Macinaie, Marsiliana, Rifugio Cantore) to the peak and to attend 25 km of downhill trails and 12 of cross-country trails. Teachers of ski sports and training schools for children and beginners are at disposal on the mountain. After a very good snowing it’s wonderful to walk in the beeches’ woods with cross-country skis or with snowshoes, to contemplate a breathless white landscape.
Walks
The wonderful Amiata woods of beeches, firs and chestnut trees are ideal for lovers of long walks. It’s possible to walk for 28 km all around the mountain (along the so called Ring of the Mountain): the path requires 12 hours of walk and permits to leave the woods and visit the towns: Abbadia San Salvatore, Vivo d’Orcia, Arcidosso, Piancastagnaio, Santa Fiora. Some itineraries join the towns to the reserves of Monte Civitella or Monte Penna, around Castell’Azzara, and Pigelleto, in Piancastagnaio. Finally, the chestnut itineraries (12 paths in the chestnut trees woods) lead the visitor to the heart of the territory, showing him the traditions linked to the chestnut culture, the places where they were picked up, treated, eaten.
Trekking
Some paths join Amiata to Maremma and to wonderful places in the province of Siena. You can walk until Pitigliano, Saturnia, Scansano and the Monte Argentario, around Grosseto; or even towards Montalcino, Montepulciano, Chiusi and Siena. The path Florence – Siena – Rome, opened in 1966, connects the major town in Tuscany with the capital through 25 stops, including the forests of Amiata and the pastures of Monte Labbro. The paths can be covered also by horse, if guided by experts.
Bike
Many of the paths can be run also by mountain-bikers, but it’s better to use a bike all-ground, apt to asphalted roads as well as the country ones. Classic biking, only on asphalted roads, is largely suggested on the paths of Amiata, Maremma and Val d’Orcia. The wonderful Cassia road is the only one crowded by cars, so a good biker prefers to avoid it; the other tracks are on the slope of the mountain: you have to be trained before to undertake them.
Speleology
In the natural reserve of Monte Penna, in the borough of Castell’Azzara, Sassocolato (or Bacheca) grotto is a perfect place for lovers of speleology. The grotto is inhabited by a colony of bats, so it’a good use, in order not to disturb them, to admit a few visitors just in special periods of the year, and always with an expert guide.
Municipality of Amiata:
Abbadia San Salvatore, Arcidosso, Castel del Piano, Castiglione d'orcia, Cinigiano, Radicofani, Roccalbegna, Seggiano, Semproniano.
Arcidosso: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Montepulciano (Siena)
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35 km from Arcidosso
Agriturismo le Caggiole
Immersed in the verdant countryside around the noble town of Montepulciano, that boasts ancient Etruscan origins, Le Caggiole Estate is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized treasures.
Booking ONLINE
In a relaxing and cosy atmosphere uests are offered three comfortable, quiet double rooms with private bathrooms and two comfortable apartments for two persons and for small family groups. -
- Siena (Siena)
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54 km from Arcidosso
Agriturismo Marciano
Agriturimo Marciano : an exlusive opportunity, two holidays at the place of only one. stay in the country and life downtown. Marciano is located near the walls of the Middle Age town of Siena.
Availability request
Five confortable double rooms and a suite with a beautiful sight on the Siena Duomo -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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60 km from Arcidosso
Villa Roccamare Castiglione della Pescaia 12 beds
Beautiful and characteristic villa with stone finishes located in the exclusive Roccamare area in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Availability request
Surrounded by the green of the pine forest and the total privacy with 2000 sqm park equipped with relaxation area and barbecue is located about 400 meters from the sea and has a private beach. -
- Cortona (Arezzo)
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63 km from Arcidosso
Rocca di Pierle
Set within the green hills of Tuscany, a few kilometers away from the old Etruscan town of Cortona farmhouse Rocca di Pierle is the perfect place to find peace and tranquility in contact with the pace of nature.
Booking ONLINE
Completely renovated Tuscan farmhouse with 3 rustic-style apartments. For groups possibilities to rent the whole villa. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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65 km from Arcidosso
Villa Punta Ala 9 beds pool
Beautiful villa with swimming pool surrounded by greenery and tranquility of the exclusive tourist destination Punta Ala and small attic used as service personnel only 300 meters from the sea of Tuscany.
Availability request
This ideal solution for those who want to spend their holidays near the beautiful sea of Punta Ala with the comforts of an exclusive villa. -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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71 km from Arcidosso
La Pieve
La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.
Availability request
Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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77 km from Arcidosso
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
Availability request
Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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78 km from Arcidosso
Agriturismo la Lucciolaia
In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.
Availability request
This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts. -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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79 km from Arcidosso
Villa Chianti 7 beds
Villa Chianti is a private villa for rent in Chianti area with pool and garden that can accommodate up to 7 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace and tranquility with views of the Chianti valleys not far from the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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83 km from Arcidosso
Agriturismo Cesani
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Availability request
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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89 km from Arcidosso
Villa Valdarno 12 beds
Villa Valdarno is a typical Tuscan farmhouse located in a secluded and peaceful area in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, among vineyards and olive groves, and enjoys a privileged panoramic view of the Florentine Valdarno.
Availability request
The ideal solution for groups of friends or acquaintances who wish to spend their holidays in Tuscany with the comforts of a detached villa with swimming pool and large garden. -
- Firenze (Florence)
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100 km from Arcidosso
Marignolle relais & charme
The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Booking ONLINE
Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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140 km from Arcidosso
Historic Villa Lucca 12 beds pool
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Availability request
Set on 350 square meters in a dominant position offers a unique view of the hills of Tuscany. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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147 km from Arcidosso
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Viareggio (Lucca)
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147 km from Arcidosso
Villa Torre del Lago 5 beds
Typical Tuscan farmhouse for rent in Torre del Lago, Massaciuccoli area with 3 bedrooms and 5 beds, just 1 km from the Tuscany coast.
Availability request
Ideal solution for small groups or families looking for a villa for rent not far from the sea in a context of absolute privacy.
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