Arcidosso

Situated up high, overlooking the beautiful territory below, Arcidosso definitely has an austere and magical atmosphere.

Rising at the feet of Monte Amiata, in the province of Grosseto, the town is famous for the extraordinary beauty of its zone, characteristic for ancient structures and for the great fascination of its panorama and scenery, which offer views of the mountains, the hills and the countryside. Much like all of the Maremma, the origins of this town are very ancient and their streets act like custodians of profoundly magical and exceptional architecture.

Walking down the historic streets of Arcidosso is an absolutely splendid and fascinating experience, rich in emotion and beauty.

The town gives you the impression of being transported back into the past.

Arcidosso is seen as the principal centre of this territory and is the largest commune, comprising of a great number of smaller and charming ancient villages.

Not to miss:

Church of St. Niccoló: the principal building, it is the oldest of the town and was established by the Abbey of St. Salvatore and named after the patron saint of the town. Inside there is a precious wooden crucifix and a stoup.

Church of St. Andrea: a splendid Romanesque construction which is custodian of many splendid frescoes, including “La Vergine in Trono” (The Virgin on the Throne).

Church of St. Leonardo: built in the 12th century, it is home to many stunning frescoes and has some architectonics elements which were added in the 16th century.

Pieve di Santa Maria ad Lamulas (Parish Church of St. Maria ad Lamulas): a medieval structure, built in the countryside which surrounds Arcidosso. Legend implies that the name of the church is derived from a mythical event, suggesting that one of the walls kneeled down to venerate the Madonna and that it left the imprint of its knee.

Chiesa dell’ Incoronata (Church of the Crowned): built in the second half of the 14th century, it commemorates the end of the pestilence and is custodian of some frescoes which depict “La Madonna con il Bambino” (The Madonna with the baby) and “La Gloria della Santissima Trinità”(The Glory of the Sacred Trinity).

Rocca Aldobrandesca (Aldobrandesca Fortress): a fortress which was constructed in the highest part of the town. Today the building is home to interesting cultural events, shows, conventions and displays.

Fonte del Poggiolo (Fount of the Poggiolo): a splendid fountain made out of marble and resembling a small neo-Gothic temple.

The ancient doors used to access the fortified city: Porta dell’Orologio (Door of the Watch), Porta del Castello (Door of the Castle) and Porta Talassese.

Torre di David (Tower of David): a stone monument constructed in the wonderful landscape of Monte Labbro. It was built for David Lazzeretti, known as “Il Profeta” (The Prophet) in the second half of the 14th century. Today there also exists a small church which still receives a great number of pilgrims each year.

The David Lazzereti Study Centre: inside there are manuscripts, texts and testimonies which tell of the life and the work of the “Prophet”

Visitor Centre of the Faunistic Park of Monte Amiata: with numerous exhibitions, panels and descriptions of the Maremman mountain territory, it contains photos and reproductions which describe the morphological characteristics of the area, its geographic position and its evolutionary history. You can also admire and observe the life of the flora and fauna of the park, thanks to the presence of video cameras spread throughout the centre.

History:

The history of Arcidosso is of great interest and importance. The first document which states the existence of this charming centre dates back to 860.

Then during the Middle Ages, Archidosso became part of the Aldobrandeschi dominion, before passing, after fights and battles, under the politics of the Republic of Siena.

In the following centuries the town was ruled by the Medici house of Florence, who controlled the territory under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

Florence managed to maintain the power until the end of the second half of the 19th century, when the entire area was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy; becoming, in the course of many years, the most important centre of the Monte Amiata.