Montemerano
IN THE HEART OF THE MIDDLE AGES
Discovering a small jewel set in the most authentic Tuscan Maremma: Montemerano. Get ready to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of times gone by, made up of narrow and winding alleys, ancient stone houses, breathtaking panoramic views and delicious culinary traditions. Have you already fallen in love? Well, we assure you that after visiting Montemerano you will definitely return.
Montemerano – One of the most beautiful villages in Italy
The village of Montemerano is one of the most beautiful and evocative villages in ‘Italy. Characterized by typically medieval architecture and surrounded by the greenery of its large olive groves, it offers a splendid view and an atmosphere of tranquility and authenticity. Dating back to the 9th century and passing through various dominations, such as that of the Aldobrandeschi, the Basques of Orvieto and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the village houses numerous artistic treasures, including the Church of San Giorgio, with works of art of inestimable value. Montemerano undoubtedly represents a wonderful stop for those who love the charm of medieval Italy.
What to see in Montemerano
This little jewel, with a population of around 500 inhabitants, offers visitors an atmosphere of times gone by, with narrow streets and stone houses. One of the main attractions is the Romanesque Church of San Giorgio, the defensive walls of the town with its ancient entrance doors. Montemerano is also an ideal starting point for exploring the nearby villages of Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovana, Manciano and Saturnia with its spas.
THE CHURCH OF SAN GIORGIO AND THE MADONNA DELLA GATTAIOLA
In the splendid setting of the medieval village of Montemerano, there is the Church of San Giorgio, a place of worship built in the fourteenth century and expanded in its Latin cross shape in the Renaissance. The treasure hidden inside this church is represented by the Madonna della Gattaiola, a fascinating painting dating back to the mid-15th century, created by the anonymous artist, known as the Maestro di Montemerano. The peculiarity of this work lies in the circular hole present in the lower right part of the image, created to allow the passage of cats, useful for keeping mice away from the sacristy.
THE HISTORIC CENTRE
The historic center of Montemerano is an enchanting stop for those visiting the Tuscan Maremma. Protected by three city walls, the medieval village is characterized by its heart-shaped plan and picturesque squares, such as Piazza del Castello and Piazza della Chiesa. Walking through the alleys you can admire the typical stone houses with arched loggias and flowered terraces. The historic center of Montemerano truly represents a place to discover.
THE CASTLE SQUARE
The Castle Square is the heart of the historic center of Montemerano. Dating back to 896 AD, the square embodies an ancient history, enriched by the passage of noble families and important historical figures, including the Grand Duke of Tuscany Leopold II of Lorraine. Surrounded by private buildings, with lintels molded in local sandstone, the square reveals its fascinating beauty through the access arch and the fifteenth-century tower of the Aldobrandesco castle. A visit to Montemerano cannot ignore a stop in this charming little square, where it almost feels like taking a dive into the past.
THE ART HISTORY LIBRARY
Located in a building historical with a late-Art Nouveau charm, this extraordinary library boasts over 8,000 volumes dedicated exclusively to the history of art, many of which are rare and difficult to find. Thanks to the generous donation of the art historian Marilena Pasquali, the library offers an important point of reference for scholars and enthusiasts who visit this enchanting Tuscan village. Furthermore, the library often organizes cultural events such as conferences, debates and book presentations to enrich the visitor experience.
Montemerano and Surroundings
Montemerano is an ideal destination for those who want to discover the beauty of the Tuscan Maremma. A few kilometers from the village there are numerous tourist attractions such as the Saturnia Baths, famous throughout the world for their therapeutic properties. The thermal water flows at a constant temperature of around 37°C and offers an experience of relaxation and well-being. For those who love to immerse themselves in nature, the Cascate del Mulino are a must-see. Located a few kilometers from Montemerano, they are a set of natural pools of thermal water that generate a fairy-tale landscape, accessible 24 hours a day for free.
The area surrounding Montemerano offers numerous medieval villages with a unique charm , including Pitigliano and Sorano with their houses carved into the rock. Also not to be missed is a visit to the Uccellina Regional Park, a protected oasis where you can admire the typical flora and fauna of the Maremma with the wonderful Alberese beach.
For lake lovers, just 50 kilometers from Montemerano is Lake Bolsena, one of the largest volcanic lakes in Europe.
Montemerano: How to Get There
If you are traveling by train, the closest stations are Grosseto and Albinia, connected by the Rome-Pisa railway line. From these stations, it is possible to use the public transport service provided by Tiemme Toscana Mobilità S.p.A. If you arrive by plane, the closest airport is Rome Fiumicino, but you can also use the airports of Pisa or Rome Ciampino. Finally, by bus, you can count on the companies Tiemme Toscana Mobilità S.p.A (in Tuscany) and Cotral Spa (Tuscany and Lazio) to reach Montemerano.
The best solution for how to reach Montemerano is certainly by car, the small village is located in the municipality of Manciano connected 7 km from the capital.
Main events of Montemerano
Montemerano, located in the splendid Tuscan Maremma, offers main events every year that attract numerous visitors. Among these, the Feast of San Giorgio represents the culminating moment of the life of the town, in which all kinds of activities take place such as musical performances, theatrical performances, historical processions and religious celebrations. During the festival, the traditional Dragon Joust is also organized in Piazza della Chiesa and the launch of the hot air balloon in Piazza del Castello. Montemerano is also famous for its food and wine, with restaurants offering authentic cuisine with the best selection of local products.
The history of Montemerano
The history of Montemerano has its roots in Middle Ages, when the small Tuscan village was built on the hill by the powerful Aldobrandeschi family. Surrounded by olive trees and immersed in the splendid Maremma, Montemerano still retains its ancient traditions and a fairy-tale atmosphere today. Walking through the narrow streets, you can admire monuments and works of art of great charm, such as the Church of San Giorgio, the Piazza del Castello and the famous Madonna della Gattaiola. A place where time seems to have stopped, Montemerano offers its visitors an unforgettable experience in the heart of Tuscany.
