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Monte Amiata
A mountain of volcanic origins
The Orcia Valley, upper Maremma and scarred hills of the metalliferous hills surround Monte Amiata in harmony. On the slopes of this mountain (at 1738 metres the highest in southern Tuscany), half way between Rome and Florence, the scenery changes: the forest that surrounds the mountain becomes thicker with chestnut groves, beech woods, firs (''pigello''), oaks and turkey oaks of a particular natural value.
The fauna includes a number of important species such as harrier eagles, capovaccaio, the lanneret and wolves. There are six nature reserves in the area which the famous theologist Ernesto Balducci, born in Santa Fiora, called ''an island on firm ground where the art of Siena and the art of the Maremma meet''.
The snow, which often lasts until the Spring, allows skiing and lends the area a Nordic look despite its vicinity to the Mediterranean. Thanks to its volcanic origins and some residual activity along with a porous rock (trachite), the Amiata has a number of springs and smoke-holes which supply the whole area with drinking water and electric energy.
The itineraries offered in this area alternate between immersion in the woods and nature and pauses in medieval villages along the stretch of the Via Cassia/Via Francigena around the many mines which appeared in the area over the centuries. These include Abbadia San Salvatore, Pian Castagnaio (with a well preserved fortress), Seggiano, Arcidosso and Castel del Piano. It is possible to do a circular route along the so-called Amiata ''ring'' as well as climbing to the top of the mountain using one of the numerous paths. From the top of the mountain there is a wonderful 360 degree view.
Other places to visit are the nature parks which include Monte Labbro, Pescinello, and Roccioni Woods, the chestnut groves of Castel di Piano, the sculpture park of Daniel Spoerri at Seggiano, Castell’Azzara and the Renaissance Sforzesca villa.
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