Relais Ciavatta, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, is the meeting point between the crystalline sea of Monte Argentario and the green mountains of Monte Amiata, in one of the most peculiar areas of Italy.

Maremma, with its warm climate, offers a large variety of landscapes and villages of medieval origins, which, over the centuries, have managed to keep their original fascination intact: an ideal setting to spend holidays in a historical, healthy, relaxing and, for the adventurous ones, wild context.

Montemerano

Ranked in the list of “Borghi più belli d’Italia”, Montemerano is one of the most delightful villages of

Maremma, thanks to its landscape, covered by olive trees, and its historic centre, remained intact over the centuries.

Inside, little carving workshops characterize the squares and the peculiar narrow lanes.

This characteristic medieval village was built during the XIIIth century by Aldobrandeschi family on the top of the hill. In the XIVth century Baschi family took control of the village and brought him under the influence of Orvieto. During the XVth century Siena conquered Montemerano and turned it into a powerful stronghold. In the second half of the XVIth century, Due to the fall of the Republic of Siena the village entered into Granducato di Toscana and, consequently, followed its destiny.

A must-see place:

- Church of San Giorgio: it was built during the XIVth century according to the wish of Baschi family and widened by adding the rear side in 1430. Over the following centuries, some intervents were made both inside and on the front side. A serie of restorations since 1980 allowed to bring back the the ancient splendour of this religious building. Inside, works of excellent quality are kept, such as Madonna in trono col bambino of the XVth century and the noted Madonna della Gattaiola, a work of an artisti known as Maestro di Montemerano - the painting’s name is due to the curious circular hole at the base, which is believed to be made by a priest to allow the passage of cats into the church.

NOT TO BE MISSED:

Festa di San Giorgio:23-25 April: during the patronal feast there is the Giostra Del Drago (protagonists the boys of the three districts), the parade in medieval costumes through the streets of the village and the representation of the "The true story of San giorgio" made with the shadow theatre

Festa delle Streghe: early November: costume party, music and meetngs on the theme of "art and witchcraft" organized by the Pro Loco.

THE CITIES OF TUFO: Pitigliano, Sovana, Sorano

Just 25 minutes from Relais Ciavatta you wil find the beautiful Tufo Cities: Sovana, Pitigliano, also know as Little Jerusalem due to the presence of a Jewish community and its ghetto, protected by Unesco for its unique beauty in the world with houses and streets carved into the tuff, and Sorano unmissable for the importance of its archaeological sites.

CAPALBIO

The medieval village of Capalbio boats a caslte and duble walls, among the most suggesive in the area. Do not miss the famous Tarot Garden, The art park created by the famous artist Niki De Saint Phalle in which the 22 Tarot cards are represented in cyclopean sculptures, about 12/15 metres high, covered with mirror mosaics, precious glass and ceramics

monte argentario

Just 35km away you will findthe coast of Monte Argentario, where mini-cruises are possible for the Island of Giglio and the Island of Giannutri, as well as the Maremma Natural Park where you can see the characteristic Butteri di Maremma at work, meeting numerous animal species and the typical Mediterranean flora, as well as the splendin Alberese beach.

NEIGHBORING LOCALITIES

The Etruscan Tagliata and the oasis of Buriano

Monte Amiata with its 1738 meters of altitude, perfect for excursions in the summer and for its ski area in the winter, There are numerous medieval village in the surroundingarea, natural park and mines to visit, as well as a calendar full of event dedicated to traditions, throughout the year.

THE NATUTALIST ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK (ETRUSCAN -ROMAN VILLAGE) and the Etruscan museum of the Castello di Vulci

Lake Bolsena and Civita di Bagno Regio

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MAIN DISTANCES

SIENA 110KM

ROMA 180 KM

FLORENCE 180 KM