While driving, I thought: “who knows what I can see in Santa Maria a Monte”. I immediately noticed from afar this small village on the hill, on which colored houses sprouted, and above the village on the blue sky, the white clouds flowed, it seemed almost drawn by a painter.
The first thing you notice is the calm, the silence and the birdsong.
The second are the citizens, busy with their daily chores that give their smiles to the guests of the village and gladly explain to tourists where to go.
And the third is the uniqueness of this medieval Tuscan village which, despite the centuries, has kept history in its veins.
What to see and what to do in Santa Maria a Monte.
My day began with the TREASURE HUNT: looking for clues, I visited the main attractions of the village such as the CLOCK TOWER and the 13th century PIEVE COLLEGIATA, but that’s not all.
Santa Maria a Monte is a medieval village and is full of surprises. For example, I discovered that there is an UNDERGROUND CITY and in some caves there are wells and cisterns for collecting water. The nice thing is that despite the transformations and the past years, cellars and tunnels have remained unchanged, everything as it once was …
This small village has also been noticed by the famous poet Giosuè Carducci, where he lived there with his family. His house is now a MUSEUM (CASA CARDUCCI).
After having visited everything, I did not let myself be taken by laziness and I climbed to the highest point of the village, where you can see a wonderful panoramic view, to see the LA ROCCA archaeological area.
After enough walking it was time to eat.
Where to eat.
There are several places where you can stop but I recommend my favorites.
Ambra Nera is a restaurant that I really liked. Designed and managed by an architect, he amazed me with his class and creativity by him.
Tapassion 2.0 is a very interesting place where you drink good wine carefully chosen by the owner, who is a sommelier. Despite not having a kitchen, they cook special things.
Aries Craft Brewery produces beer by selecting the best raw materials. Very good.
I also point out a fantastic grocery store that offers a great variety of delicious products from Campania and Tuscany. This shop is close to the church square, where a breathtaking panoramic view opens up. It wouldn’t be bad to have a picnic here!
Gelateria del Borgo makes a really good homemade ice cream. After a day of ups and downs in the village, a good fresh ice cream suits us perfectly.
Where to sleep.
Imagine sleeping in an art gallery. Something more particular that can be done in Santa Maria a Monte. The concept is precisely that of Art Suite Gallery: an art gallery within the walls of the house.
Tuscany is a beautiful region but we always go to the same cities and miss the little jewels like Borgo Santa Maria a Monte.
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