{"id":37426,"date":"2025-01-10T19:45:22","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T18:45:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/monte-amiata-road-trip-and-tips\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T16:30:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:30:08","slug":"monte-amiata-road-trip-and-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/italy\/tuscany\/monte-amiata-road-trip-and-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Monte Amiata | Road Trip and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Monte Amiata: A Road Trip Through a Hidden Gem in Tuscany<\/h1>\n\n

Monte Amiata is a somewhat lesser-known, mountainous region in Tuscany, but it\u2019s so worth the visit. It\u2019s a very fertile area situated on an extinct volcano. The summit of the mountain is at an elevation of about 1,740 meters. People also ski here in the winter. <\/p>\n\n

But above all, it is a beautiful nature reserve\u2014thanks in part to the volcanic soil, which makes it very fertile and rich in minerals. What\u2019s more, the mountain is surrounded by eight very interesting and lesser-known villages. It boasts a rich history marked by many periods of foreign rule, as well as fantastic cuisine. <\/p>\n\n

I discovered Monte Amiata and the sights of some of these authentic villages. Read more about my experiences and get the best tips for your road trip through Monte Amiata. <\/p>\n\n

Montenero d\u2019Orcia in Castel del Piano <\/h2>\n\n

Monte Amiata is the area between the Val di Chiana, the Val d’Orcia, and the Valle d’Ombrone in the Maremma. I started my trip in Montenero d\u2019Orcia, which is part of the municipality of Castel del Piano. It\u2019s not far from Rome and lies on the border with the Val d\u2019Orcia<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

I visited the organic farm \u201cAzienda Le Vigne\u201d and was able to watch the grape harvest. They produce organic wine and olive oil. At Le Vigne, wine is produced at an altitude of about 500 meters, including the Montecucco wine (which is very good but not very well known). In addition to the altitude, the area is particularly special for viticulture because of the rich, mineral-filled soil from the extinct volcano. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Monte<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Monte<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Monte<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

They also produce a special oil here from the \u201colivastro\u201d (a brownish-green olive). Le Vigne also produces honey and nuts. At Terre di Chiara<\/a> \u2014Le Vigne\u2019s tasting room\u2014you can sample their organically produced wines and other products every day. They\u2019ll tell you all about their organic products, and you can also help with the harvest; they offer \u201cwellness forest meditation\u201d and yoga. <\/p>\n\n

In Castel del Piano, a visit to the historic center is well worth it. The annual Palio<\/a> is held here in September. <\/p>\n\n

In Montegiove (in the municipality of Castel del Piano), I visited another famous winery: Podere Borselli.<\/p>\n\n

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\"Monte<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Monte<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Poderi Borselli<\/a> is an organic wine and olive oil producer just outside Castel del Piano. With a long family tradition and knowledge gained at the agricultural university, they now export their \u201cnew generation\u201d of organic and fully sustainably produced wines all over the world. These include exceptional wines such as the Montecucco. Tastings are available by appointment. <\/p>\n\n

Arcidosso, spiritual center <\/h2>\n\n

On to Arcidosso. A beautiful historic village with a unique Tibetan museum: the Museo di Arte e Cultura Orientale (MACO). Davide Lazzaretti was from Arcidosso (1834\u20131878); a spiritual leader\u2014also known as the Prophet of Amiata\u2014who found many followers among the farmers. On \u201cMonte Labbro,\u201d he had a community of followers consisting of about 80 families. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Monte<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Monte<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Adjacent to the MACO Museum ,<\/a> you\u2019ll find a museum in Castello Aldobrandesco dedicated to Lazzaretti. From the castle\u2019s tower , you\u2019ll enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding villages of Monte Amiata. Open Wednesday through Sunday; closed for lunch. Another must-see museum in Arcidosso is the Galleria Museo Artereastra<\/a>, whose central theme is art exploring emotions. <\/p>\n\n

Arcidosso is known for its hazelnuts and hosts a number of hazelnut festivals. After being ruled by Siena, it came under the rule of the Medici of Florence in 1560. <\/p>\n\n

Seggiano <\/h2>\n\n

Seggiano is one of the quietest villages in the Monte Amiata area. <\/p>\n\n

Daniel Spoerri’s Garden<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

In Seggiano, you’ll find the Giardino di Daniel Spoerri<\/a>. It’s a beautiful sculpture garden created by this Swiss sculptor, nestled in the heart of nature. You’ll find his own works there, as well as those of his artist friends. It’s definitely worth a visit. It also has a bar, a restaurant, and a few apartments. <\/p>\n\n

Santa Fiora <\/h2>\n\n

I found Santa Fiora to be one of the most delightful surprises of Monte Amiata. It has only 2,400 residents today, but it was once an important region known as the County of Santa Fiora. The Queen of France was an aunt of the then-Countess of Santa Fiora. <\/p>\n\n

By becoming a \u201csmart working hub,\u201d the local government is encouraging people to stay here for longer periods of time. One of Italy\u2019s most beautiful villages (borghi pi\u00f9 belli d\u2019Italia), featuring a magnificent castle, a historic village center, and the Montecatino neighborhood with the Peschiera di Santa Fiore\u2014a lovely little lake formed by the source of the Fiora River. The springs of Santa Fiora supply water to all of Tuscany. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Santa<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Santa<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Santa<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

I was given a tour by Luciano Luciani, a former council member of Santa Fiora<\/em> <\/p>\n\n

The adjacent Chiesa della Madonna della Neve stands out for its bright light and glass floor, through which you can see the source of the Fiora. <\/p>\n\n

Restaurant recommendation in Santa Fiora: Il Barilotto (no website) <\/p>\n\n

Guido Strazza, born in Santa Fiora and now 101 years old, is one of the last Futurists. His art is displayed all over the world (including in the Netherlands). He still lives and works in Santa Fiora. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n

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\"Castell'Azzara-Abbadia-Salvatore-Crypt\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Castell'Azzara<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Abbadia San Salvatore <\/h2>\n\n

A medieval town named after the abbey of the same name, one of the oldest in Tuscany, featuring a unique crypt with columns, arches, and cross vaults. This charming town is surrounded by beautiful forests and orchards and has a history of mercury mining. <\/p>\n\n

Piancastagnaio <\/h2>\n\n

Piancastagnaio is surrounded by city walls that wind around the impressive Rocca Aldobrandesca. On August 18, the Palio delle Contrade takes place here, similar to those in Siena and Asti. In early November, the town hosts il Crastatone, a chestnut festival featuring a wide variety of chestnut products, markets, wine, and music. <\/p>\n\n

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Renewable Energy Monte Amiata<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some places along the way in Monte Amiata, you can smell sulfur. There are several major geothermal power plants<\/a> here. They harness underground energy, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels. In this way, they contribute to energy independence. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Roccalbegna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Roccalbegna<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Pigelleto Nature Reserve <\/h2>\n\n

A nature park covering about 860 hectares, with two remaining (inactive) mercury mines. It borders the village of Piancastagnaio, and its purpose is to preserve the white spruce, commonly known as the Pigello. The park is home to many birds (including birds of prey), roe deer, and fallow deer, and wolves have also been spotted here. Several hiking trails are available starting from Castell\u2019Azzara. <\/p>\n\n

Castell\u2019Azzara <\/h2>\n\n

A small village with the first signs of settlement dating back to 1,000 B.C. The village was won by Bonifacio degli Aldobrandeschi in a game of dice. In July, the village hosts a summer truffle festival. The area surrounding the village has always held a certain importance throughout the centuries. It is surrounded by beautiful nature and, due to the closure of the mines, now has only a handful of residents. A magnificent fortress (built by the Aldobrandeschi), the historic center, and the Via Francigena that runs through it make it truly worth a visit. <\/p>\n\n

Restaurant Recommendation in Castell’Azzara: La Tana dell\u2019Orso <\/p>\n\n

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\"Roccalbegna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Roccalbegna<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Roccalbegna <\/h2>\n\n

The tour continues to Roccalbegna. This beautiful little village is built against a cliff. I climbed the cliff\u2014a short, challenging climb, but with a fantastic view of the village and the surrounding Amiata area. You can easily find the path up through the historic center. <\/p>\n\n

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Monte Labbro: A Magical Place <\/h2>\n\n

From Roccalbegna, we paid a visit to Monte Labbro. It is a nature reserve in the municipality of Arcidosso covering no less than 650 hectares. The summit is 1,190 meters high. Here you\u2019ll find Turkish oaks, chestnut trees, elms, hazel trees, and maples. <\/p>\n\n

Many wild animals also live here: wildcats, skunks, stone martens, weasels, and badgers. But there are also various species of eagles, falcons, and buzzards. In addition to birds of prey, the area is home to birds such as sparrows, rock thrushes, and wheatears. Within the nature reserve, a 3-hour hiking trail leads to the summit of Monte Labbro. It\u2019s a sort of mystical pilgrimage in the footsteps of the prophet Lazzaretti. <\/p>\n\n

At the foot of Monte Labbro, there is still a spiritual center<\/a> with a temple that you can visit and, if you\u2019d like, participate in retreats<\/a>, yoga, and meditation activities. In addition to Monte Labbro, the entire Monte Amiata region is a true Slow travel destination<\/a>: beautiful nature, tranquility, and a touch of spirituality here and there. <\/p>\n\n

From the barren, rocky summit of Monte Labbro, you have a magnificent view of the entire valley, Monte Amiata, and the ruins of the \u201cGiurisdavidica Tower\u201d: a place of worship from the early twentieth century, built by followers of David Lazzaretti. <\/p>\n\n

If you want to drive to the top of the mountain, it’s best to park your car at the bottom or halfway up. The road to the top is not easily passable in a regular car. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Roccalbegna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Monte<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n
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Practical Tips for Monte Amiata <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How do you get there?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n