This morning, at the first light of dawn, we headed towards Mount Amiata with Mana. The journey was magical from the very start. As we traversed the dense forest, the atmosphere was imbued with mystery and serenity, and nature seemed still asleep. The towering, majestic trees formed a natural tunnel that seemed to guide us to our destination. Along the way, we were fortunate to encounter a graceful doe, as well as a wild boar accompanied by her little piglets—a rare and touching sight that reminds us of the wild beauty of this region.
After this enchanting trek, we reached the summit of Mount Amiata just before sunrise. At an altitude of 1,734 meters, the air was fresh and invigorating. I deployed my drone to capture some aerial shots, weaving between the numerous antennas that dot the peak. The tranquility up there was almost surreal; we encountered no one. It was an incredibly relaxing experience.
The summit of Mount Amiata does not offer a 360-degree panoramic view, as the surrounding trees partially obscure the landscape. However, this slight obstruction does not detract from the magic of the place. The rays of the rising sun gently pierced through the foliage, creating spectacular light patterns and an almost mystical ambiance. In these moments, one truly feels the tranquility and majesty of the mountain, far from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
● Volcanic Origin: Mount Amiata is an ancient volcano, extinct for about 180,000 years.
● Record: The beech forest on Mount Amiata is the largest in Europe.
● Chestnut Reserve: Historically, the chestnut forests of Mount Amiata have been a vital food source for local inhabitants, especially during times of famine.
● Mercury Mine: At the base of Mount Amiata lies the town of Abbadia San Salvatore, home to one of the largest mercury mines in Europe, which operated until 1972.
● Sacred Site: Mount Amiata has been a sacred site since Etruscan times, with traces of ancient cults and sanctuaries dedicated to local deities discovered there.
● Little-Known Tourist Spot: Although Tuscany is a highly popular tourist destination, Mount Amiata remains relatively less visited compared to other regional attractions, offering a more peaceful and authentic experience.
Mount Amiata spans both the province of Grosseto and the province of Siena, covering a vast area that includes the following municipalities: Abbadia San Salvatore (SI), Piancastagnaio (SI), Santa Fiora (GR), Arcidosso (GR), Castel del Piano (GR), Seggiano (GR), and Castell’Azzara (GR).
Origin and Geography
An ancient volcano, Mount Amiata has been extinct for about 180,000 years. It is the highest peak of the Tuscan Apennines and is steeped in history and legend. The mountain is renowned for its lush beech and chestnut forests, which provide a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild boars, and numerous bird species. Last week, we visited the filming location of the movie “Gladiator”, where the mountain majestically rises to 1,734 meters. (5688,976 ft)
The summit of Mount Amiata is dotted with several antennas and transmitters, but despite this, it retains a unique charm. It also hosts a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known as the Madonna degli Scouts, where pilgrims and their four-legged companions come to seek peace and solace.
Croce del Monte Amiata
The 22-meter-high cross on Mount Amiata was built between 1900 and 1910, following an initiative by Pope Leo XIII to celebrate the Jubilee of the year 1900. Designed by Luciano Zalaffi’s workshop in Siena, the wrought-iron cross is in the Belle Époque style and stands on an 8×8 meter base. Four tons of iron were transported to the summit by mule. The inauguration took place on September 18, 1910, with a large crowd in attendance.
Damaged during World War II, the cross was destroyed by German bombings on June 17, 1944. It was rebuilt after the war, with the official reopening on Saturday, August 24, 1946. Pope Pius XII, through a radio signal, lit the lamps on the monumental cross, turning it into a luminous point visible from many surrounding locations, up to nearly 200 km away, for one night.
Between 2004 and 2009, maintenance work was carried out to secure the structure and improve the environment.
Tourism and Activities
In winter, Mount Amiata transforms into a popular ski resort, attracting winter sports enthusiasts with its well-maintained slopes and breathtaking snowy landscapes. In summer, it is a top destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers, offering numerous well-marked trails that wind through diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to deep forests.
The parking lot indicated on the map above is located 430 meters from the Monte Amiata cross.
As I understand it, this part of the parking lot allows a maximum stay of 180 minutes between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
On weekdays, the rate is €1.50 per hour, while on weekends and public holidays, it is €1.80 per hour.
For owners of camper vans or converted vans, good news—you can stay overnight for €12 per 24 hours. For motorcyclists, the rate is €1.50 per hour.
The first 10 minutes are free.
Absolutely gorgeous, breathtaking. Mana you are looking gorgeous.
Thank you Camilla !