Montemerano is a medieval village of rare beauty. The town is located less than ten minutes by car from our property along the road that connects Manciano to Saturnia.
Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” Montemerano is a treasure trove of history and art waiting to be discovered. Its historic center is surrounded by triple walls that, when viewed from above, resemble the shape of a heart. It is crossed by paved alleys, small squares, and arches that reveal breathtaking views.
Things to see in Montemerano:
Piazza del Castello
The area known as the Castle is the oldest part of the village, where you can find the oldest buildings including Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo Aldobrandeschi, and in the center, the famous Piazza. Montemerano’s castle is “atypical” as it does not consist of a single building but rather a group of buildings surrounding the square. It features characteristic arches, flower-filled balconies, and stairs that create a unique play of lines and colors.
Church of San Giorgio
Nestled within the walls of the village of Montemerano is the Church of San Giorgio, a jewel of Romanesque art completely frescoed. Inside, you can find the unique painting on wood panel of Madonna della Gattaiola. Consecrated in 1430, although its history began to be written already in the fourteenth century, the Church of Montemerano is one of the most important Christian buildings in southern Maremma.
The church still preserves some valuable frescoes depicting ‘The Deeds of St. George and the Dragon,’ dating back to mid-1400s, along with ‘The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula and Her Companions,’ paintings depicting ‘The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine with Saint Sigismund,’ ‘Christ in Piety,’ ‘Saint Sigismund,’ ‘Saint John the Baptist and Saint William,’ and an altarpiece depicting ‘The Madonna and Child in Glory with Saints Sebastian and Fabian,’ the latter dating back to 1620.
Via Italia
The main street of Montemerano is Via Italia, the road that connects the two ancient entrances to the medieval village: Piazza della Chiese and Piazza Canzanelli. Here, you can find some delightful artisan shops, bars, and restaurants.
