Santa Fiora
The small community of Santa Fiora is located in the province of Grosseto, immersed amongst the splendid panorama of Alta Maremma.
With its fascinating landscape and typical scenery, the town can be found at the feet of the massive Monte Amiata and is seen one of the most appreciated and beautiful locations in the territory, both for the great richness of its natural wonders, as for the fascination of its ancient structures and historic palazzi.
In the valley you can admire the splendid waters of the Fiora River, as well as other waterways, the peak of Amiata, and the suggestively cultivated countryside
With particularly ancient origins, the town is truly a treasure box of art and architecture of extraordinary beauty and profound interest; all of which can be admired and appreciated in the streets and alleys of the historic centre.
Not to miss:
Church of the Suffrage: dating back to the first half of the 18th century, it is an extremely fascinating building and custodian of many important works of art.
Church of St. Chiara: another splendid building which is located in the historical part of Santa Fiora.
Church of St. Agostino: dating back to the second half of the 16th century.
Church of St. Giuseppe: located on one side of Piazza Garibaldi
Ex- Convento delle Cappuccine (The Ex-Convent of The Cappuccine): built in the 1600’s it is home to the Crocifisso Miracoloso (Miraculous Crucifix) of the 15th century.
Pieve delle Sante Fiora e Lucilla (The Parish Church of Saints Fiora and Lucilla): the principal sacred building of the town, it dates back to the first half of the 12th century. Inside you can find extraordinary frescoes, paintings; as well as precious terracotta items, made for the Sforza’s in the 1400’s.
Oratorio della Madonna delle Nevi (Oratory of the Madonna of the Snow): constructed in the 1600’s outside the wall of the city, it’s façade is decorated with a wonderful alfresco of Saint Fiora and Lucille.
Convento della Santissima Trinitá (Convent of the Sacred Trinity): built under the powerful Aldobrandeschi house, legend suggests that the church was built in a mythic location, where the Sforza Counts slew a ferocious dragon. Inside you actually see part of its supposed head.
Palazzo Sforza Cesarini: construction dating back to 1571, it was erected on the ruins of an older Aldobrandeschi fortress. Today, the building is the seat of the Municipality and is decorated with many wonderful 16th century frescoes.
La Peschiera (The Fish Farm): definitely the symbolic structure of Santa Fiora, built for the Aldobrandeschi family it is an immense tree filled park, with pines, cypresses and chestnuts. The park is also home to huge tanks containing the typical ichthyic species of the zone, including carp and trout.
Museum of the Mercury Mines of Monte Amiata: a fascinating display of the objects, ruins and instruments tied to the work of the mines and the life and conditions of the miners.
History:
Of what we know, the city of Santa Fiora already existed as far back as 890. During subsequent centuries the dominion fell to the Aldobrandeschi family, then the Sforzas, then the Grand Duchy of Tuscany; until it finally, in 1860, became part of the Kingdom of Italy.