Abbadia San Salvatore
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
To reach Abbadia San Salvatore, the most convenient option is by car, taking the state road Cassia to Radicofani and then turning towards Monte Amiata. Those travelling by train can get as far as Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station and then continue by bus. The nearest airports are Florence and Rome.
.Introduction
Abbadia San Salvatore lies on the slopes of Monte Amiata, an ancient extinct volcano that dominates the landscape of southern Tuscany. This medieval village, nestled between centuries-old chestnut and beech woods, owes its name to the imposing Abbey of San Salvatore, founded in the 9th century by Benedictine monks. Its strategic position, between the Val d'Orcia and the Sienese hills, makes it a place of great historical and natural charm. Today, Abbadia is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity, medieval art and nature trails, as well as a point of reference for mountain-related culture and traditions.
Description
The territory of Abbadia San Salvatore stretches between the 822 metres of the town and the peaks of Monte Amiata, which reaches 1,738 metres. The landscape is a succession of woods, pastures and ancient mining routes, evidence of a past linked to the extraction of cinnabar, a mineral from which mercury was made. The Monte Amiata Park and the Monte Labbro Nature Reserve offer uncontaminated scenery, ideal for excursions on foot, mountain bike or horseback, with paths that climb among centuries-old beech trees and thermal springs.
The history of the village is inextricably linked to its abbey, founded in 743 at the behest of the Longobard king Rachis and which over the centuries became a centre of religious and cultural power. In the Middle Ages, the abbey controlled vast territories and influenced the economic and social life of the area. Among the historical figures linked to Abbadia were the amanuensis monks who kept precious illuminated manuscripts here, which are now preserved in European libraries. Another important chapter is that of the mercury mines, active until the 20th century and now recounted in the evocative Mining Museum.
The local economy is based on tourism, agriculture and handicrafts. The forests of Monte Amiata provide chestnuts and timber, while the pastures feed the production of pecorino and ricotta cheeses. Typical products include handmade maccheroni, porcini mushrooms and the famous castagnaccio, a traditional sweet made from chestnut flour. Local handicrafts boast woodwork and ceramics, while the mining heritage is celebrated in exhibitions and historical re-enactments.
The culture of Abbadia is expressed through centuries-old festivals and traditions. The most evocative is the Christmas torchlight procession, when hundreds of torches illuminate the streets of the town, creating a magical atmosphere. Other important festivities are the Festa del Crastatone (dedicated to chestnuts) and the celebrations in honour of the patron saint, San Marco. The local cuisine is typical of the Tuscan mountains, with dishes such as ribollita, pappa al pomodoro and pappardelle al cinghiale.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Abbadia offers routes to the summit of Monte Amiata, where it is possible to ski in winter and explore the trails of the Val d'Orcia Park in summer. The village itself is worth a visit for its medieval churches, cobbled alleys and the Abbey of San Salvatore, with its Longobard cryptoporticus and 14th-century frescoes. A curiosity is the legend of the Monks' Treasure, which tells of a rich booty hidden in the abbey's basement.
Information
Area: 58.99 km²
Altitude: 822m
Maximum elevation: 1,738m - Monte Amiata
Number of inhabitants: 6,120 as of 31.12.24
Name in dialect: Badia
Inhabitant name: abbadenghi
Patron Saint:St. Mark Pope, celebrated on September 19
Bordering municipalities: Castel del Piano, Castiglione d'Orcia, Piancastagnaio, Radicofani, San Casciano dei Bagni, Santa Fiora, Seggiano
Internet site: www.comune.abbadia-san-salvatore.siena.it
Collections
cover: Piazza Santa Croce, Abbadia San Salvatore, Province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy - 26 August 2009, 16:58:11 - Patafisik