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Castel del Piano
- Category What to visit in Maremma
Agriturismo - Where to stay overnight
In his “Commentarii”, Pope Pius II underlined : “ the beauty of the place, the convenience of its location, and the amenity of the village” . These are the same qualities which are so loved by many tourists today, who choose Castel del Piano to spend their holidays. The village has always been – since 890s A.D. – an Abbey estate, for over three centuries. It came under the Aldobrandeschi , in 1332 under Siene, and later on with Siene under the Medici. Castel del Piano is the hometown of Nasini’s, a family of painters which lived and worked here for a century since the mid of 1600s ‘till the mid of 1700s. Their works of art can be found all over Amiata area.
The Church of the Opera (devoted to Saints Niccolò and Lucia) in baroque style, overlooks the square. The latin cross design has ten chapels and most of Nasini’s pictures; there are a “Mary’s nativity” and a “ Mystic Wedding of s.Catherine of Alessandria” both works of Giuseppe Nicola Nasini. Also praiseworthy are a wooden crucifix and a font dating 1500s. The City Hall and the church of Madonna delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace) with a plenty of canvas, as well, are located on the square. As we pass close to the Clock Tower, let’s stop at Piazzetta degli Ortaggi (“Vegetables Square”) we are captivated by a beautiful Loggia of the1500s. Let’s go , now, to the Pieve S.Leonardo.
At the end of the historical center, there is the Chiesa Piccina, devoted to the Holy Sacrament. The large Garibaldi Square (best known as Piazza Tonda-Round Square) has a beautiful Fountain, loved by inhabitants. It is the place of the yearly Palio, a medieval horse-race which takes place every 8th of september. In the neighbourhood, some pleasant little benedictine churches - St. Lucia and S.Fiora – are on the road to Amiata Peak , as well as S.Processo, the ancient ruins of a Franciscan convent.
