Page 196 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

194 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

7 Abbadia San Salvatore from the local volcanic rock, grew
Siena, Toscana; 53021 around the abbey and expanded
Lombard King Rachis established this due to the mercury mining industry.
abbey, one of the greatest in Tuscany, The mine is now the Parco Museo
in AD 743. For centuries it was the Minerario (summer: open daily; www.
most important place in the region museominerario.it) with a narrow-
and held sway over the valley and gauge train to some of the sights.
the popular pilgrim route the Via ª To exit town, follow signs to the
Francigena. The magnificent abbey Vetta Amiata on Via Federico
church (open daily), in Via del Hamman and then onto SP81. On
Monastero, has a crypt that dates back arrival at the large turning circle, there
to the original building. A town, built is a car park to the left under the trees.

8 Summit of Amiata
Pianello Vetta, Grosseto, Toscana; 58033
Above The typical dark volcanic stone of Although usually snow covered from December until March, in summer
medieval Abbadia San Salvatore the peak of Monte Amiata offers pleasant walks with spectacular views
of the valley, from a large Crucifix and a statue of the Madonna.
WHERE TO STAY
ABBADIA SAN SALVATORE A one-hour walking tour After the 18th-century suppression of
Agriturismo Trefossata moderate Follow signs to Vetta Amiata (Amiata the monasteries, the cooperative
This simple farmhouse offers rooms all Summit) to the car park near the Società Macchia Faggeta was formed,
year round in a tranquil, no frills
environment. Good for families. Albergo La Croce. Pass through a and in 1944 it took over managing
Trefossata, 53021; 0577 776 204; wood to a wide grassy slope 1 – in the woods, trails, ski runs and lifts.
www.trefossata.it winter this is the ski school slope. The The mountain path winds through
walk up the paved path leads to the the forest past huge granite boulders.
SUMMIT OF AMIATA
Albergo Sella inexpensive–moderate Croce dell’Amiata 2, a large iron On the largest outcrop is mounted
This chalet operates all year with plenty cross. In 1900, for the new century, the white Madonna of the Scouts 5.
of snow activities in winter and Nordic Pope Leo XIII decreed that the 20 This second crowning of Mt Amiata
walking at other times. highest peaks in Italy have a cross was made by the Scouts of Grosseto.
Loc. Vetta Amiata 53021; 0577 789 mounted. It took ten years and the The statue was carried to the summit
747; www.albergosella.it
four tons of iron were carried to the over ten days in 1961. Scouts from all
BAGNI SAN FILIPPO 1,730-m (5,676-ft) peak by the people over the world climb the rocks to tie
Terme San Filippo moderate of Abbadia San Salvatore. To the left their kerchiefs to the sanctuary. Retrace
This small spa resort in the centre of of the cross is a viewing platform 3 the route back to the car park.
town, near the natural spring, is the looking down on the Val d’Orcia and ª From Abbadia San Salvatore, take
perfect spot to relax in mud baths.
Via San Filippo 23, 53023; 0577 872 982; the town of Abbadia San Salvatore. SP18 towards Bagni San Filippo. Then
www.termesanfilippo.com. Due east, in the distance, is the Castello fork right on SP61, following direction
di Radicofani sitting atop a dark pine- “Siena” and near the village is located
AROUND RADICOFANI clad hill. The path to the right goes Fosso Bianco.
Fattoria la Palazzina moderate past the bar-restaurant
An elegant 18th-century hunting lodge
set on a hill among cypresses and oaks. La Vetta, where walkers
Loc. Le Vigne, 53042; 3662718366; www. can stop for an aperitif
fattorialapalazzina.com; bikes available of vin brulè (mulled
wine). Further along
AROUND SAN CASCIANO Grassy Slope
DEI BAGNI the path to the left is a
natural beech thicket
Il Poggio expensive Macchia Faggeta 4. 0 metres 150
The II Poggio farm stay offers riding for 81
experts and beginners. Accommodation The forest of Amiata 0 yards 150
is in the farm house and 26 apartments has long been a useful
in the nearby village. source of lumber –
Celle sul Rigo 53040; 0578 53748; the Etruscans used it
www.ilpoggio.net
to build their boats. In
Fonteverde expensive the 8th century, the Croce dell’Amiata
This glamorous spa resort offers Abbey took over the
pampering treatments, massage and Viewing Platform
highly attentive staff – good restaurant. jurisdiction of the Madonna of Macchia Faggeta
Loc. Terme 1, 53040; 0578 57241; area, creating towns the Scouts 81
www.fonteverdespa.com around the mountain.
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200
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