Mount Amiata remains a well-kept secret despite the popularity of
Tuscany. Even many long standing Tuscanophiles have never visited the region’s highest mountain.
The mountain towns are all very different from each other. Some are rugged, others mysterious, but Santa Fiora is without comparison the most romantic, the most poetic and the most idyllic of all of them.
The town history goes back to the Aldobrandeschi counts who had their stronghold in the town. From here they ruled a territory much larger than the province of
Siena. With the decline of the aristocracy, the town fell into a soporific state, and today its centre appears totally unspoilt (and virtually tourist-free).
Go for a walk in the small streets, visit the little church bursting with glazed terracotta products by the Florentine family, Della Robbia, or take a trip round the picturesque pond ”La Peschiera” where the counts Sforza once had their trout farm and private swimming pool. When you have worked up an appetite, go to restaurant “Il Barilotto” and try what they recommend, (but treat yourself to a wine from the wine list as the house wine is somewhat watery). To fully enjoy your meal here, make sure you are properly hungry first!
