Castel del Piano
Castel del Piano is a splendid little town in the province of Grosseto, rising on a small plain in the heart of the Monte Amiata territory, it is surrounded by wonderful forests of chestnuts and beeches; in a panorama of extraordinary beauty, characterized by the presence of vast fields of olives and vines, typical of the Maremman environment.
The town is situated at an altitude of 637 metres above sea level, boasting a view of wonderful little streams and waterways.
The town itself is absolutely splendid and fascinating and throughout its streets you can admire wonderful structures and ancient monuments which narrate the history and the goings on of Castel del Piano, making the village even more interesting and unique.
The town is famous for the popular event which occurs each year in its historic centre. This event is known as the Palio delle Contrade (Horse Race of the District) and is a horse race in honour of the Madonna, where the city districts of Borgo, Storte, Monumento and Poggio compete to win.
The history of this town is extremely ancient and is the reason why its churches and its historic palazzi are so fascinating and emotional, just by visiting these sites you can learn about and appreciate the past, the culture and the art of this amazing village.
Not to miss:
The Church of St. Leonardo: probably the oldest of the village, it was constructed over the top of an already pre-existent sacred building and dates back to the end of the 12th century. The structure is a wonderful example of the Romanesque style and is completed by a 16th century bell tower at its side.
Chiesa Parrocchiale della Nativitá della Madonna (Parish Church of the Nativity of the Madonna): a 15th century building constructed in the Renaissance style. Outside, you can find an image of God with the Saints, whilst inside there are many frescoes and religious statues.
Church of the Madonna of Grazie: built in the Renaissance style it has a wonderful frontage made out of peperine. (Brown or grey volcanic tuff with fragments of basalt, limestone and various crystals) Its construction dates back to the first years of the 16th century and inside you can find some wonderful frescoes, including “La Madonna del Rosario con Santa Caterina da Siena” (Madonna of the Rosary with St. Caterina of Siena) and “La Madonna del Carmine” (The Madonna of Carmine).
Chiesa del Santissimo Sacramento (Church of the Sacred Sacrament): dating back to the 1200’s, it was built in the more ancient part of the city in a Romanesque style.
Church of St. Giuseppe: a small church of the 17th century, which houses splendid frescoes by artist Nasini.
Church of St. Biagio: ancient residence of the monks of the Benedict Order.
Church of St. Lucia: also blessed, it was built in the 10th century for the monks of St. Salvatore.
Convent of St. Processo: of which today, there remains only some ruins.
Obelisco “Eroe dei due Mondi”(Obelisk of the Heroes of two Worlds): dating back to 1883.
Palazzo Nerucci: of 1554, with its wonderful portal decorated with arches and columns.
Lo Spedale (Hospital): built in the second half of the 18th century, along with the ex Oratorio della Compagnia del Corpus Domini (The Ex-Oratory of the Company of Corpus Domini) and the Teotro Communale (Communal Theatre).
Palazzo del Pretorio and the ruins of the ancient city wall.
L’Antiquarium: with its fascinating exhibitions on ruins, objects and items of the Etruscan and Roman era.
The Art Collection of Palazzo Nerucci: inside you can admire works, paintings and frescoes of extraordinary beauty.
Museum of the Vine and Wine: located in the small fraction of Montenero d’Orcia, it is a unique centre which tells of the culture and the history of the production of wine. The centre is divided into two principal sections, one which tells of the production phases of the vine, and the other which focuses on the tasting. The museum also displays ancient instruments and utensils used for wine making in the past.
History:
The area in which today rises the magical town of Castel del Piano, was already inhabited in a very ancient age, possibly during the Paleolithic and Neolithic times. In the Middle Ages the town became part of the possessions of Abbey of Monte Amiata, then the Aldobrandeschi family and then the Republic of Siena; before becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy under the domination of Florence.