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Monte Amiata ❤️ a place to know and explore
- Category What to visit in Maremma
What to do and see on Monte Amiata: from skiing to trekking, from spas to walks in medieval villages, from Adventure Parks to the discovery of ancient traditional flavors
Number of views: 26277Agriturismo - Where to stay overnight
- Where is Monte Amiata
- Once upon a time there was a volcano ...
- Route on Monte Amiata at sunset
- Trekking on Mount Amiata
- Bagni San Filippo in Tuscany in winter
- Chestnut from Amiata IGP
- Adventure parks and nature reserves
- The villages of Monte Amiata
- The festivities of Monte Amiata
- Monte Amiata (video):
Tuscany has the ability to catch the attention of those who visit it, arousing a sense of wonder. It is not uncommon for a Tuscan landscape to be compared to a beautiful painting, which leaves the viewer mesmerized and speechless, in front of such natural beauty. There are many places that we can define as exciting, one of them is Monte Amiata in southern Tuscany.
Where is Monte Amiata
Thanks to its strategic and privileged position in the Tuscan anti-Apennines, the mountainous set of volcanic origin which constitutes it, benefits from unique landscapes. In fact, Monte Amiata is located between the idyllic areas of Maremma, Val d'Orcia and Val di Paglia, between the provinces of Grosseto and Siena (map).
Where to ski on Monte Amiata
Monte Amiata enchants in all seasons for the variety and beauty of its territory. In winter it is a popular ski area. There are a total of approximately 20.5 km of slopes (10 km for downhill skiing and snowboarding, 10.5 km for Nordic skiing), and 8 ski lifts that can be used with the Skipass Amiata.
7 things to know about Monte Amiata: between villages, natural parks and spiritual centers, to visit the most authentic and the most unknown Tuscany
Choosing a vacation on Monte Amiata is ideal for a group of friends as well as for a family. After all, there are many attractions that tempt you to go to this part of Tuscany: charming villages, natural spas, hiking routes, unspoiled nature and plenty of events.
Once upon a time there was a volcano ...
As already mentioned, Monte Amiata was originally a volcano, and it is estimated that its last eruption was around 180,000 years ago. Nevertheless, the region had been populated since prehistoric times.
The origin of the name Amiata is believed to derive from the Latin ad meata which means to sources. Other theories would report its origin to Etruscan times, from Mons Tuniatus-Montuniata, referring to Tinia, the most important Etruscan deity.
Route on Monte Amiata at sunset
From its 1,738 meters above sea level, Monte Amiata dominates the surrounding valleys. On a particularly clear day, it offers a breathtaking view that stretches to the coast. Especially cool temperatures even during the summer months make it the perfect destination for mountain lovers, fleeing hot towns in search of refreshment.
Trekking on Mount Amiata
What to do on Monte Amiata? The proposals are in full swing between spring and summer. Trekking and Nordic walking enthusiasts will find their happiness among the countless routes available. Most of the woods have marked paths, which refer to the old paths of loggers and mushroom hunters. The network of trails covers an area of approximately 215 km, divided into 19 routes. It is possible to explore the trails on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike.
Bagni San Filippo in Tuscany in winter
The most famous route is the Ring of Monte Amiata, about 30 kilometers long that follows the perimeter of the mountain, at an altitude that varies between 1050 and 1300 meters.
A trip to La Vetta, the monumental 22-meter-high iron cross, by the Sienese craftsman Zalaffi, is a must. It is called that, because it is the reference point of the Amiata peak. It is impossible not to mention the Via Francigena, the historical variant of which crosses the town of Abbadia San Salvatore.
Chestnut from Amiata IGP
When we talk about Monte Amiata, we think of the magnificent woods of centuries-old chestnut trees that inhabit the region and produce the exquisite Amiata IGP chestnut. Thanks to the powerful chestnut trees present in the region since the 8th century, 7 nature trails have been created. The routes are called "The Chestnut Road", and wind through the whole territory.
Adventure parks and nature reserves
Children (but also adults!) can have fun at Prato delle Macinaie, inside Indiana Park Acrobatic Park, or in the neighboring adventure park. Among the obstacle courses suspended between the trees, it will also be possible to experience the descent to the ground with a pulley.
For the more intrepid, it is possible to try their hand at free climbing and bouldering. Monte Amiata offers, among many others, even trachyte walls, perfect for testing your skills.
You will be spoiled for choice when deciding which protected area to visit. From the Monte Penna Nature Reserve to the Monte Amiata Animal Park, passing through the Amiata Mine Museum National Park (link) and many more. The latter houses interesting museums as well as a fun opportunity to visit the mines, using the original trains of the miners of the time.
Spring trails on Mount Amiata
The villages of Monte Amiata
A tour of the pools near the natural baths of Bagni San Filippo, with the picturesque white limestone waterfall known as Fosso Bianco, the springs of Vivo d'Orcia and San Casciano dei Bagni.
Monte Amiata is a treasure chest full of precious stones. Abbadia San Salvatore, Santa Fiora, Piancastagnaio, Radicofani, Castiglione d'Orcia, Castel del Piano, Montegiovi, Montenero, Cinigiano, Roccalbegna, Semproniano, Castell'Azzara, Seggiano, Arcidosso, are Tuscan villages that all deserve to be known. It's like traveling through time. There are fortresses, fortresses, abbeys, churches, basilicas, fish ponds, historic buildings and museums, concentrated among ancient cobbled streets and perfectly preserved, that will fill your eyes with wonder.
Seggiano is one of the Tuscan villages of Monte Amiata, in the province of Grosseto.
The festivities of Monte Amiata
Monte Amiata is an active place, which likes to celebrate and commemorate events with multiple festivals and fairs, which take place throughout the year. Among the best known are the Radicofani Festival of Arts and Crafts and the Abbadia San Salvatore Medieval Festival, also known as the "Census Offer."
Then come the Palio delle Sante in Santa Fiora, the Floral Carpet of Saragiolo, a hamlet of Piancastagnaio, and the Autumn Festival in Abbadia San Salvatore. The famous torch festivals of Abbadia San Salvatore and Santa Fiora, which take place during the Christmas period, are particularly interesting.
Among the best known festivals are the Mushroom Festival in Bagnoli, and the Chestnut Festival in Arcidosso. Piancastagnaio, hosts the feast of the oldest chestnut tree of Monte Amiata: the Crastatone.
The history of Maremma is closely linked to that of the Aldobrandeschi family, whose castles are scattered throughout the territory
Monte Amiata is a place that offers unique emotions, able to combine nature, history and tradition in a fascinating red thread. A visit is not enough to discover this beautiful region, but a sunset will be enough to fall in love with this beautiful mountain.
Original article:: tuscanypeople.com
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