Abbadia San Salvatore
Abbadia San Salvatore: A Charming Village in Tuscany
Abbadia San Salvatore is a small village located on the Sienese side of Mount Amiata, at an altitude of 800 meters. This town, which is the capital of the Union of Municipalities of Amiata Val d’Orcia, is perfect for a vacation with fresh summer air and offers an interesting natural, historical, and cultural heritage.
What to See in Abbadia San Salvatore
The village of Abbadia San Salvatore is rich in attractions, starting with its medieval old town. The name of the town derives from the ancient Benedictine Abbey of San Salvatore, dating back to 743, of which the church and crypt are still visible today. The Museum of Sacred Art, part of the abbey, displays numerous treasures that were originally kept inside the church.
Another must-see attraction is the Mining Museum Park, which offers a unique experience of visiting the ancient mines of Mount Amiata and learning about cinnabar extraction. The park includes four thematic routes dedicated to mercury, the daily life of miners, support services for extraction and processing activities, and the archaeology of the mining area.
Finally, the summit of Mount Amiata, easily accessible from the town center, offers a splendid view of the Sienese and Grosseto countryside, as well as the iconic cross of Mount Amiata.
History of Abbadia San Salvatore
Abbadia San Salvatore has ancient origins closely tied to the Benedictine Abbey of San Salvatore. The village saw significant development in the late 19th century when a large cinnabar deposit, an ore containing mercury, was discovered, turning it into an important mining and industrial center. After the inevitable decline in the 1970s due to the closure of the mining company, Abbadia San Salvatore successfully reinvented itself as a tourist destination, thanks to the beauty of its medieval old town, its proximity to Mount Amiata, and the transformation of the old mines into a mining museum.
How to Get to Abbadia San Salvatore
Although somewhat isolated, Abbadia San Salvatore is easily accessible by car. From Siena, which is approximately 70 kilometers away, the journey takes about an hour and a half. You will head south along the regional road SR2, the Via Cassia, which takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Sienese countryside, until you reach the SP61 for the last few kilometers.
From Florence, the route is longer but mainly on highways. After exiting at the A1 Chiusi-Chianciano Terme tollgate, you will continue southwest along the SP146, SR2, and SP61 roads until you reach your destination.
