Roccastrada, Montemassi, Sassofortino, Ribolla, Roccatederighi and Sticciano | Podere Santa Pia | The surroundings of Podere Santa Pia, a holiday house in the south of Tuscany

Roccastrada

Roccastrada is one of the widest Italian communes (28.000 hectares). Situated on the ridge of an intensively cultivated plateau, Roccastrada maintains the aspect of a medieval town, distinguished by the beautiful 13 Church of Saint Nicola in the old part of the town. The Town Hall, the Municipal Library and the Theatre of the Concordi are located in the 19 C new part of the town. Roccastrada, chief village of the district, was built around the 10th century, its main church, Chiesa di San Niccolò, was established around 1283. It keeps two frescos dating back to the sixteenth century: one representing the Annunciation, the other a Madonna with Child. History Montemassi is a medieval village, dominated by an imposing fortification, Montemassi Castle. The castle of Montemasi is, without any doubt, the most famous monument in the territory of Roccastrada, for its importance of historical document (it was represented on the famous fresco situated in the public palace of Siena attributed to Simone Martini) and for the high example of Gothic style architecture that it represents. The castle was repeatedly besieged during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and finally conquered in 1328 by the Sienese Republic. This conquest is celebrated in a very famous and discussed fresco attributed to Simone Martini, in which we can see Guidoriccio da Fogliano, a mercenary soldier, hired by Siena that proudly enters a defeated Montemassi on the back of his horse. We can admire this fresco at the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, inside the "Mappamondo Hall". The historical center of Montemassi is very picturesque and still maintains today the aspect of a compact medieval hamlet at pine-cone form, there are no more traces of the city walls, at exception of a gate, that once were connected with the castle. Roccatederighi is one of the most interesting and well preserved medieval village of this area, it is mimetically built on huge trachyte rock spurs called "i massi" overlooking the Maremma. We can still notice the remains of its "Cassero"(1) near the Tower Clock, and parts of the ancient walls. At the very top of the village there is a church, Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo, built around the tenth century. Both the village of Sassofortino, where we can notice several doorways carved in the local stone, and Roccateterighi are situated at the foot of Sassoforte, a 787 metres high mount where the remains of a mighty fortress lie: il Castello di Sassoforte. Ribolla has been an important mining centre: lignite was excavated until 1954, when an enormous explosion stopped the coal extraction. The today’s village structure is developed on the basis of the existing mining village.		Roccatederighi Sticciano I Canaloni
Sticciano stands on a small hill at the centre of the area of Monte Leoni. It is a natural terrace on the plain with extraordinary views. It is like being on a balcony which overlooks the Maremma, the sea and the islands of Giglio, Elba and Corsica. It can be reached only through a road, which is like a route of slow discovery, of increasing wonder. The old town is a meaningful scarcely inhabited medieval town. The very centre of the village is only accessible on foot, with acute corners and narrow passageways. The romanesque church, Chiesa della Santissima Concezione, also known as the church of Santa Musticola, is worth a visit. The church of Santa Musticola is made up of a single nave ending in a semicircular apse, with an elevated presbytery and a rectangular bell tower on the right, inside the church, and two interesting portals: the main one with an architrave decorated by two romanic crosses and the lateral one with a decoration made up of mouldings on the jambs and palm trees with crossed leaves on the frame of the double archivolt. From Sticciano it is possible to walk up as far as Monte Leoni (616 meters of altitude), even though the path is no marked. On the top of Monte Leoni, some kilometres far from the village, there is a circular stone hedge indicated as the remains of the walls belonging to a fortification, with features similar to the castle of Moscona." Torniella and Piloni are small villages surrounded by chestnut wood trees, they both introduce the visitor the river Farma Valley, a protected area of incredible beauty and peculiarities. On the road to Monticiano, one can reach Torniella. The castle of the Ardengheschi, the vassals of the Aldobrandeschi, forms the stronghold of the town. One of many sign-posted walking paths around Torniella arrives at the waterfalls on the Farma stream known as i Canaloni. After an extended walk you find a little waterfall with rocks and natural pool. The Benedictine monastery of San Salvatore di Giugnano, dedicated to San Salvatore, which include only the remains of the crypt and the Cistercian building, is situated at Le Casecce. The surroundings of Giugnano have been populated since the prehistoric time; the place is remembered in documents of 9th century and before the year 1076 it became the seat of a monastery. Of the abbey today are visible a big gothic building and a Romanesque crypt covered by cross vault sustained by four columns with figured capitals. The floridity of the religious centre has been linked also to the control that the monastery had on the water and mining resources, abundantly present in the valley (in particular the medieval mines of silver copper of Poggio Mozzeto). Already in 13th century, perhaps for the impulse given by the Cistercians of St Galgano, the monastery was surrounded by numerous manufactories which, making use of the waters of the torrent Bai, were used as mills and ironworks The Farma Nature Reserve (it) situated between Monticiano and Roccastrada, includes the middle stretch of the very beautiful and wild valley where the stream Farma runs, the main tributary of the river Merse, and the upper course of Lanzo, a long stream flowing into the river Ombrone at Paganico. Comune Roccastrada Map of Roccastrada url
Trekking in and around Roccastrada [7 walks (it) (eng)]

Sticciano - Roccastrada \| 19 km, 5 hours
Roccastrada - Castello del Belagaio \| 13,5 km, 4,5 hours
Castello del Belagaio - Torniella \| 13 km, 4 hours
Torniella - Sassoforte - Roccatederighi \| 20 km, 5 hours
Piloni - Sassoforte - Sassofortino - Roccatederighi \| 16 km, 6 hours
Sassofortino - Montemassi \| 13 km, 4,5 hours
Roccatederighi - Montemassi \| 7 km, 2,5 hours

Trekking in and around Roccastrada \| www.comune.roccastrada.gr.it \| download pdf

Roccastrada borders Campagnatico, Chiusdino, Civitella Paganico, Gavorrano, Grosseto, Massa Marittima, Monticiano en Montieri. The frazioni Sticciano, Ribolla, Montemassi, Roccatederighi, Sassofortino, Torniella and Piloni are part of Roccastrada.

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Roccastrada history
The territory belongs to the area of influence of Roselle since the Etruscan Age and it has remained so in Roman Age and during the Early Middle Ages, always keeping an important agricultural and pastoral vocation. The territorial unity of the southern Tuscia, kept also by the Lombard, was compromised by the endowment that Charlemagne in the year 787 made in favour of the Pope of the lands of the Bishopric Roselle. Roccastrada begun since that time a meeting point between the territories of the Empire and those under the control of Rome, to the advantage of the Aldobrandeschi Family, who enfeoffed and reunited by means of a slow battlements process the entire Maremma. In such a way the Aldobrandeschi succeeded in maintaining till 13th century their possessions, consisting in small, fortified towns, among which the castles of Sassoforte, Montemassi, Roccatederighi are certainly the most characteristic, with their fascinating aspect of inexpugnable strongholds… a world expressing the immobility of an area for a long time feudal, outside the economic development that the centre of Tuscany was living. Siena, between 13th century and the half of 14th century, conquered all the castles of the area, destroying their fortifications because of safety reasons and increasing the marginality of Maremma, which had as well to undergo the effects of famines and pestilences culminating with the Black Death in 1348. The submission to Florence of a depopulated and abandoned territory is as a consequence the effect of an economic supremacy leading to the political subjection in the first half of 16th century. The Medicean domination did not substantially improve the situation and only the Lorena, starting from 18th century, thanks to the resumption of the mining activities, the land reclamations and the administrative and institutional reformations, succeeded to remove the main obstacles to the demographical and economic recovery, for centuries stagnating.
Montemassi history

Montemassi Castle
Montemassi castle is without doubt the most important monument of the municipality of Roccastrada if not of the entire Maremma, due to its importance as a historical document (it is depicted in the famous fresco Guidoriccio da Fogliano at the siege of Montemassi in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena attributed to Simone Martini) and as a high example of Gothic architecture. Montemassi, together with its famous castle, belonged to the territories acquired by the Aldobrandeschi since 1076. Its importance increased during the 13th century thanks to the control of the Way of the Salt (Via del sale) which from the feud could be easily controlled. It underwent in 1260 a first destruction as a consequence of the conquest by the Ghibellines from Siena, enemy of the Guelfs Aldobrandeschi. The latter, once again victorious, assigned the stronghold in 1274 to Ildebrandino di Sovana. After becoming a possession of the Aldobrandeschi, as a consequence of complex wedding occurrences, the castle underwent in 1328 a new siege by Siena, with the conquest of the town and the castle by Guidoriccio da Fogliano. Siena decided a radical land reorganization by individuating and delimitating a certain number of farms within the castrensian district, which had to be assigned to the families of the farmers, so that Montemassi was going to be a strong point for the government of Siena in Maremma. Surrendered as a Signoria to the Salimbeni, the castle returned once again a possession of Siena in 1375, which, little time later, pulled down the stronghold. In 1632, under the rule of Lorraine, Montemassi was granted as a feud by Ferdinando II di Toscana to Giovanni Cristofani Malaspina di Mulazzo, as it happened for Roccatederighi. In 1770 the Malaspina gave up Montemassi to the Marchese Domenico Camnbiaso from Genova. Mining history The mining history of Montemassi is strictly linked to what will only successively be called Ribolla's Mine. Around the year 1835, in fact, the first researches and excavations in the area of Montemassi, near the torrent Raspollino, begun. The society of Montemassi and Ribolla-Follonica in fact was born between 1839 and 1940 but till 1890 the mine kept a salutary and very modest kind of production (about 5000 tons per year), because of the persistence of the malaria (people could work only 200 days per year, as in the rest of the valleys of Maremma) and the high costs for the transportation of the material. Even when, during the 19th century, the village of Ribolla was born, the relationship between the lignite mine and Montemassi remained indivisible till the closure of the mine.

Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Known for its enchanting landscapes, its fantastic and genuine food and beautiful towns as Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena. Podere Santa Pia is an enchanting Tuscan farmhouse, nestled in the vineyards and olive groves of the rolling Maremma hills, in the heart of the Valle d'Ombrone. This privileged location offers a spectacular vista over the charming medieval town of Cinigiano and the entire Ombrone Valley. It is the perfect place for your relaxing holiday with your friends and family. The property consists of 4 large bedrooms furnished in a classic Tuscan style and 4 bathroom with shower, a big full-equipment kitchen with a fireplace, a big living room and a dining room. With its original kitchen and the wood burning pizza oven, Podere Santa Pia offers an upbeat atmosphere. The impressive garden (9000 square mt.) allows you to enjoy a relaxing holiday and is perfect for taking time out and lounging about while sipping on a glass of local wines, Montecucco DOC and Brunello DOC. One can easily reach some of the most beautiful attractions of Tuscany, such as Siena, Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano and San Quirico d'Orcia, famous for their artistic heritage. This is the land where the DOC wines Montecucco and Brunello are produced. Not far from Cinigiano and clearly visible from Podere Santa Pia, is the famous Castle of Poggio alle Mura, also known as Villa Banfi and home to one of the most popular producers of Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G. wine. Set in 7100 hectares of land in the Montalcino area, Castello Banfi il Borgo is one of the most important wine producers in Tuscany. Sitting in the garden, one can enjoy our dawns and dusks, with their jubilee of colours ranging from dark yellow to pink, orange and red. In this scenario, it is often possible to observe the flight of pheasants, falcons and buzzards, great tits, chaffinches and sparrows. This is an enchanting place far from noise, ideal to regenerate body and mind, where one has the opportunity enjoy pleasant walks or rides on mountain bike. The summer breeze that caresses Podere Santa Pia guarantees "cool" holidays even in the hottest weather.



Monte Cucco wine region	Castiglioncello Bandini	San Qurico d'Orcia


Rocca di Tentennano	Castello Colle Massari, view from Podere Santa Pia	Castel Porrona, a charming medieval village dating back to the 11th century, between Cinigiano and Castiglioncello Bandini and Podere Santa Pia

Podere Santa Pia is located 3 km from Castigliocello Bandini, 15 km from Abazziia San 't Antimo and Montalcino, and 1 hour away from the seaside and close to art cities like Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano and San Quirico d'Orcia. This page uses material from the Wikipedia articles Abbey of Sant'Antimo, Montalcino, published under the GNU Free Documentation License. Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Abbey of Sant'Antimo.


Nearby the town of Sant’Angelo in Colle, 6km from Sant’Antimo, an enchanting well-preserved village on the top of a hill contained in its circle of walls. You can drive there on a dirt road from Sant’Antimo or on a paved road from Montalcino.
Circular walk from Sant'Antimo
There is a hiking trial from Sant'Antimo which takes you up into the woods towards Montalcino. The trail is well marked - it goes to your right from the main pathway to the church, just before you turn left to go to the church. Both times we were there we walked out along the trail for about 30 minutes, then walked back, but you can walk all the way to Montalcino. You get some lovely views of the church and the valley along the trail. The Blue Guide also mentions the town of Sant'Angelo in Colle, 6km from Sant'Antimo, as being an "enchanting well-preserved village on the top of a hill ... contained in its circle of walls". You can drive there on a white road (dirt road) from Sant'Antimo or on a paved road from Montalcino.
Castelnuovo dell'Abate - Vivo d'Orcia		Castelnuovo dell'Abate
This spectacular itinerary descends from the Abbazia di Sant'Antimo, surrounded by silence and Brunello vineyards, then climbs up the pristine slopes of Monte Amiata, an ancient extinct volcano. The trip ends up in Vivo d'Orcia, one of the most well-conserved and verdant localities in Tuscany, charged with energy from the volcano. Departure at Abbazia di Sant'Antimo in Castelnuovo dell'Abate - Municipality of Montalcino Arrival at Vivo d'Orcia- Municipality of Castiglione d'Orcia Distance about 20 km \|Duration: 3 and a half - 4 hours Walking in Tuscany \| Castelnuovo dell'Abate - Vivo d'Orcia		Castelnuovo dell'Abate
Walk around Pienza \| Montepulciano - Pienza Walk around Pienza
The trail starts on the Piazza Dante Alighieri in Pienza, and continues along the Viale Santa Caterina that leads to the Pieve di Corsignano, an exceptional example of Romanesque art just outside of the city walls of Pienza. Admire the carvings on the side of this ancient structure, which dates possibly from the 10th century. This was Pienza's original parish church. Follow the paved path beyond this beautiful Romanesque church, first along a derelict farm, then along the where you are right on a paved road to the intersection with the road San Quirico d'Orcia - Pienza. Walk in the direction of Pienza and turn right after about 10 minutes. The path runs downhill to Podere Arpicella. Turn left, and beyond a medieval tower, you can walk right back to Pienza (Viale Santa Caterina). Make time to visit the Romanesque Pieve di Corsignano, half a kilometre out of Pienza, along Via Fonti from Piazza Dante Alighieri. The Pieve di Corsignano dates from the 10th century and boasts a strange circular bell tower. There are no regular visiting times but the church is usually open. Montepulciano - Pienza \| 11 km, 3 hours This walk is interesting for its varied landscape: from Montepulciano to Monticchiello you walk through countryside with olive groves, vineyards, walnut and fig trees and through typical Mediterranean woods, with holm oaks (evergreen oak Quercus Ilex), heather and broom. From Monticchiello to Pienza you walk on the balcony of the Val d'Orcia, a valley among beautiful rolling hills, framed by wheat fields, and occasional dark green pinnacles of cypress. Walking in Tuscany \| Walk around Pienza \| Montepulciano - Pienza		Pieve di Corsignano Madonna di San Biagio
Maps and descriptions available in Podere Santa Pia Kompass map 653 Pienza - Montalcino - Monte Amiata (1:50.000) Touring Club Italiano (map 8 Toskana, 1:200.000) Links Walking in Tuscany \| San Quirico d'Orcia, Bagni Vignoni, Castiglione d'Orcia, Rocca d'Orcia, Montalcino, La Foce Trekking in Tuscany \| Rocca d'Orcia


Podere Santa Pia, situated in a particularly scenic valley, which overlooks on the hills around Cinigiano, up to the Maremma seashore and Monte Christo
The Maremma is a large area in southern Tuscany. It is a perfect microcosm that stretches between the provinces of Livorno and Grosseto. In the Divine Commedy, Dante Alighieri identified its borders from "Cecina to Corneto" (Tarquinia in Lazio). Maremma is unique because of the variety of its territory: blue sea, long beaches, black rock, hills covered with woods, marshes and flat lands, green hills and natural thermal baths.