Monte Ammiata

Monte Ammiata

Monte Ammiata extinct volcano, height 1739 m, is the highest hill in Tuscany. Grows out of the wasteland of crete; rather forms several hills, not one peak, and you can see it from a long distance. The region is primarily suitable for winter sports, because the snow stays here until spring. Chestnut-fir forests are supposed to symbolize the Italian flag – the white of the snow, pine green and (a little stretching) chestnut red. There are a number of marked hiking trails around the summit and plenty of rifugas - though prices range there from 50 000 L for two.

Abbadia San Salvatore

The main ski area is ABBADIA SAN SALVATORE, the easiest way to get to from the San Quirico-Bolsena road (and by bus from Chainciano Terme or Siena). Abbey (Abbadia), around which the village grew, it belonged to the Benedictines. Established during the reign of the Lombards and rebuilt in 1036 r. the monastery was once the richest in Tuscany - even surpassed Monte 01iveto Maggiore. Today, very little is left of the original concept, and most of the preserved fragments come from the Middle Ages; the main attraction is a large and beautiful crypt from the 8th century., with columns decorated with strict Lombard motifs.

City, admittedly significantly expanded after the war, maintains its gothic and renaissance character, with numerous buildings blackened with old age inside the battlements. Many visitors come here in the summer, lured by the beauty of the landscape, cool upland breezes and easy walking routes. There are quite a few hotels here, including half a dozen one- and two-star. Good is one of the cheapest, the small Hotel Roma on via Matteotti 32 (0577/778015); two 40000 L, closed in September. The tourist office at via Mentana informs about other possibilities 77.

Arcidosso i Santa Fiora

ARCIDOSSO closely resembles Abbadia. It is another center of light hiking, with a developing new city, centered around a well-preserved medieval steep quarter, narrow streets. The cheapest accommodation in the two-track Hotel Giardino in via Risorgimento 4 (0564/966406); two about 40000 L; not CZ. X until Christmas. Another possibility is the Park Hotel (0564/967355; similar prices), 3 km out of town in CAPERTI on the road to Santa Fiora.

Pleasant walking routes outside the city include a stroll to the nearby Romanesque Abbadia Santa Maria ad Lamulas and the less interesting Renaissance church of Madonna Incoronata. You pass them on the way to the village of MONTELATERONE, 3 km to the northwest. Going to Monte Labbro is more difficult (1193 m) south of the city, although you can also enter there by car, or walk from the ridge in the village of Zancona. At the top you can visit the ruins of the church founded by David Lazzaretti, which in the eighth decade of the nineteenth century. Claimed, that He is the second Christ.

SANTA FIORA is also a medieval village and a popular summer walking base. Its buildings on the hillside deserve a little more interest: The abbey and the fortified Palazzo Comunale have beautiful shapes, and in three churches you can admire the terracotta della Robbii.