MONTIERI
Discover Montieri, a jewel of the Tuscan Maremma
Hidden in the diocesan archives of Volterra are two documents, the Breve di Montieri (1219) and the Guaita di Travale (1158). Both represent some of the earliest evidence of the Italian language and served to organize the community. Montieri takes its name from Mons aeris, meaning “copper mountain.” In the 10th century the bishop of Volterra established a rule over the city that would last three centuries. The Montierini have always had a strong sense of civic duty: in the 13th century they established a kind of ante litteram constitutional monarchy, the only one of its kind in Maremma, with a council led by the noble families who ruled without opposing the bishop. Five centuries later, the Montierini were the first in Maremma to join the Kingdom of Italy. The country is very proud of its 3,000-year-old mining history. The initial settlement was little more than an outpost founded to protect silver and copper mines, and grew to become an advanced mining center. In its quiet streets, brightly colored palaces and stone churches were built thanks to mining revenues. Outside the city walls, more than 500 km of trails weave through ancient forests, hidden convents and medieval mines.
What to see in Montieri
Start your tour of Montieri from the town hall in Gramsci Square. The neo-Gypsy-style building is just over 100 years old, but its stone balconies will make you think of Romeo and Juliet. Next door, the similar-looking Papi Mattii Palace was built in the 1600s for the Marquis of Montieri, who was in office for a short time. Under the arches of the loggia are the fonti di Sopra, public wells built around 1236.
Nearby are the smallest springs in Sotto. Heading towards Via delle Fonderie, pass the 13th-century Montieri Mint and reach the Church of San Francesco. Ignoring the violent neon-orange facade head inside to see a collection of 16th-century paintings by Giuseppe Nasini (p. 214), inspired by the Venetian style of the time. Returning to Gramsci Square, follow Church Street to the Church of SS . Michael and Paul, which holds a distinctive 13th-century capital from another church, probably the oldest piece on display. The church’s finest work is the 1604 organ, while its most interesting is the bust (1670), dedicated to Blessed Giacomo Papocchi, a hermit born in Montieri in the 13th century, whose hand and foot were chopped off on charges of stealing from a nearby silver workshop. The event helped him find his faith, and he spent the rest of his life voluntarily locked up in a small cell, where he had visions and worked miracles.
You can see Papocchi’s cell in the Church of St. James, near the Keep. The medieval church has a simple and beautiful stone facade, but the interior is bare except for the two decorative Romanesque capitals.
Visit Paul Fuchs’ Garden of Sounds
The “
Garden of Sounds
” by Paul Fuchs is a unique art and music park created by German artist Paul Fuchs. This garden is a place where art and nature come together, creating a unique sensory experience for visitors.
The artworks in the garden are sculptural musical instruments that produce sounds when interacted with natural elements such as wind or water, or when touched by visitors. These instruments are made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and stone, and are placed throughout the park to create a dynamic and ever-changing soundscape.
Paul Fuchs’ “Garden of Sounds” offers visitors the opportunity to explore the relationship between sound, music, art and nature in a peaceful and relaxing environment. It is a place where you can experience the beauty of sound in a new and surprising way.
Key Events
Tempora Artis Magicae
First weekend of August
There are plenty of medieval festivals in Maremma, but none are as enchanting as this one in Montieri. An event to relive the costumes, food and magic of the Middle Ages that has a different theme each year. Past festivals have even included the celebration of a medieval wedding and fire and war performances.
How to get to Montieri
By Plane: The nearest airport is Pisa Airport. From there, you can take a train or bus to Montieri, or rent a car.
By Train: The nearest train station is Follonica. From Follonica, you can take a bus to Montieri.
By Car: If you travel by car, you can reach Montieri via the A12 highway. Take the exit for Follonica East and follow the signs for Montieri.
