The people of Montieri have spent the last couple of decades trying to alert tourists to the splendour in their backyard.

Between the 12th and 14th century, Montieri was coveted first by Volterra and then by Siena, both of whom wanted the surrounding silver, copper and lead mines for themselves. Unfortunately both powerhouses were also quick to sack Montieri of its mineral deposits,  damaging the landscape in the process and leaving the town to endure a slow decline.

Since then the locals have done everything they could to undo that damage and you’d be hard pressed to find a bunch more dedicated to preserving and celebrating their environment. Tens of thousands of hectares of untouched forests riddled with a network of over 500km of walking trails now surround Montieri. Much of this landscape is in protected nature parks and is extremely popular with Tuscans looking to get in touch with their wild side through hiking, horse riding or other outdoor sports.

As well as having a huge green heart, Montieri’s residents are sticklers for tradition. Like much of the Maremma their town has been marked by centuries of different aristocrats and republicans. Over the years each ones’ unique influence has been given pride of place in Montieri’s heritage and lovingly preserved through the careful management of the buildings and through the annual festival, Tempora Artis Magicae, which was inspired by the town’s ancient rulers.

SIGHTS:

Chiesa di San Francesco Built in the 16th century, its salmon-coloured walls and beautiful stained glass windows suggest it’s much younger than it actually is.

The Church of Sainti Michele e Paolo Built in the 14th century, this church holds a place close to the heart of all those who live in Montieri because it’s home to some beloved relics.

Chiesa di San Giacomo Hidden behind a long stretch of oaks, this ancient Romanesque church was built during the 12th century.

Casa Narducci A demonstration of the great wealth accumulated by the town during the 13th and14 th centuries, this home is simply beautiful.

Casa Biageschi Another beautiful example of 13th century wealth, built using a chalky red stone and embellished with beaten iron fixtures.

Cassero Surrounded by towers and an impressive wall, this ancient keep was once part of the town’s castle and home to its ruling noble family.

Fonti di Sopra e  Fonti di Sotto These two fountains date back to 1233 and are an integral part of the town’s hydraulic system. They’re also architectural masterpieces

	Palazzo Comunale Constructed during the 20th century on the ruins of an older palazzo, it was designed by Lorenzo Porciatti who had a thing for neo-gothic styles.
	The Paul Fuchs Garden of Sounds Located in Boccheggiano, near Montieri, this garden is an oasis lost in time, creating art not just for the eyes, but also for the ears.

MUSEUMS:

Parco Archeominerario di Montieri Part of the Parco Nazionale Tecnologico Archeologico delle Colline Metallifere Grossetane, this park is made up of abandoned mines.

EVENTS:

Tempora Artis Magicae – August A historical re-enactment of the Middle Ages. Filled with magic, witches and centuries’ old mystery, this festival is always a highly anticipated event.