Campagnatico is a typical Medieval town, both in its
urban structure and in its strategic position. It stands on a rise,
planted with olive trees, that in the east drops off sharply over the
Ombrone Valley.
The ancient castle belonged to the Aldobrandeschi family of Sovano and
was mentioned in Canto XI of Dante’s Purgatory. The castle subsequently
passed into the hands of the Tolomei who were especially keen on
controlling this fertile land.
Along with the rest of the Maremma, Campagnatico suffered greatly as the
result of various wars and calamities. However, it returned to
prosperity under the rule of the Grand duke Leopold II when he reclaimed
the marsh land.
The entire area is abundant in Mediterranean scrub and the rolling hills
are planted in vineyards and olive groves that yield excellent wine and
oil.
Today Campagnatico is the principal town in a wide area that includes
not only the charming Medieval town of Montorsaio, but numerous villages
that keep local traditions alive by staging fairs, celebrations of their
patron saints and pageants. Among these festivities is the Palio dei
Ciuchi (Donkey Race) which is held in Campagnatico every year in mid
September.
Cinigiano is a charming agricultural town on one of the
sloping hills descending from Monte Amiata. This fortunate geographical
position provides the best of the Maremma’s inland hillly landscape.
Originally a fief of the Aldobrandeschi family, it was dominated by
Siena in 1381 and then by the Battifolle Counts. The Clock Tower,
restored in the middle of the 19th century, and the remains of a
Medieval fortress are all that remain of the old town.
The zone is valued for its forests, natural pastures, vast areas suited
for agriculture, Chestnut groves, all within a general mix of
Mediterranean scrub, vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees that
stretch from the mountain to the bed of the Ombrone.
The result is a wide sampling of products to be enjoyed during during
the numerous fairs and local events. The produce ranges from grain to
grapes, from olives to chestnuts.
The Nature Reserve, “Poggio all’ Olmo”, provides a chance for enjoyable
outings within the area. There are other characteristic towns nearby
that are worth a vist: Porrona, with its castle, parish church and
intact noble villas; Monticello Amiato with its Medieval structures and
museum of local traditions; Sasso d’Ombrone, whose original name is
Sasso di Maremma, and from which the bridge over the Ombrone river gets
its name; Colle Massari, noteable for both its architecture and
landscape; and the Aldobrandeschi fortresses such as Castiglioncello
Bandini, Vicarello, Poggio del Sasso and Santa Rita.
Civitella Marittima
Civitella Marittima, the principal town of Civitella
Paganico, stands on a hill covered in cypress and olive trees and
commands a view of the Maremma plain and the Tyrrenian coastline.
It was the seat of the Aldobrandeschi family who left an important
heritage of Romanesque architecture such as the Badia of San Lorenzo on
the Lanzo, or Badia Ardenghesca. Along with Paganico, the town fell
under the dominion of the Sienese at the beginning of the 14th century.
It is located where the Ombrone river loops in its descent from the
Sienese hills toward the Maremma plain.
Paganico is known for its
kaolinite quarries, but is more interesting for its artistic and
monumental heritage.
The gates to the town wall (Senese, Gorella, Grossetana), the 14th and
15th century brick houses with their porticos, the remains of the town
wall, the church of San Michele Arcangelo and the carefully planned
urban structure all serve to enhance this charming town.
Both the ancient spa, “Bagni di Petriolo”, dating from 1230 and still in
operation, and the Nature Reserve of the Basso Merse are worth a visit.
