More than just a mountain...

Italy has two thirds of it’s peninsula covered by mountains, from the alps in the north to the Apennines running right down the middle of the country. However it has only two peaks rising from the flat lands and these are Etna in Sicily and Mount Amiata, the highest peak in Tuscany. Mount Amiata, just like Etna is of volcanic origin and, although dormant for the past 180,000 years, it is still lively enough to provide several thermal spas around it’s base. The most noted of these spas being Bagno vignoni and Bagni San Fillipo, the latter classified as the 3rd best thermal water in Europe for the temperature and the mineral content of the water.

Mount Amiata rises to 1,738m above the stunning landscape of the Val d’Orcia, noted for it’s Crete Senesi, a clay terrain that was shaped by the retreating sea. Mount Amiata’s slopes are covered in beautiful forests that host a myriad of wildlife, including 117 species of birds, 53 species of mammals and 10 species of amphibians along with wild boar, wildcats, otters and even the European wolf. Bird species include the rare Egyptian vultures, buzzards, goshawk, sparrowhawk, hoopoes and kingfishers. The forest can also boast to sustaining ¾an impressive one third of the entire Italian population of orchids.

Several beautiful villages are dotted around the volcano and they are all steeped in history. Abbadia San Salvatore can boast a medieval abbey, crypt and town centre. The Longbeards established a village here in the 6th and 7th century AD and much of their presence can still be seen. The ancient town of Piancastagnaio also has a medieval centre and ancient churches. Bagno Vignoni still has an ancient thermal bath in it’s central piazza that was constructed by the Romans and stunning views of the valley below.

The ancient Etruscans considered the mountain to be sacred and even signs of the Pagans can still be found in the forest. Caves inhabited by Neolithic man have been discovered along with their stone tools near the tiny village of Vivo D’Orcia. The presence of fresh spring water that gushes out from the side of the volcano at the source of the river Orcia near the village of Vivo was a major factor in the development of early communities in the area.

The spring of the river Orcia is one of the largest in the area and provides Siena with 30% of it’s drinking water supply. The water from this spring is of excellent quality and is famed in the whole area as being one of the best drinking waters in the province of Siena.

The vast array of local dishes originating from the mountain, like porcini soup, truffles and wild boar etc are world famous and provide the perfect gastronomical backdrop to a holiday in the Amiata area.

World class wines like Brunello, Rosso di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano all come from the area around Mount Amiata and provide a fantastic accompaniment to the fabulous dishes of the Amiata area. A holiday passed walking in the spectacular forests, immersed in mother nature, wallowing in thermal water or visiting the ancient churches and hamlets of the area has to be the perfect way to unwind from the stress of everyday life and the Volcano Amiata really has it all!