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.
PITIGLIANO (Grosseto)
