Buriano – medieval village, church art and woodland landscape

Buriano between village history and the Maremma forests

Buriano is a small medieval village amid the dense forests of the Maremma. Those who wish to discover a place in Tuscany with ecclesiastical history, sacred art and long-standing pilgrimage traditions, in addition to its art cities, will find several distinct points of interest here. Buriano was established around the 10th century at the behest of the Aldobrandeschi counts. The Rocca Aldobrandesca towers above the village and creates a striking historic accent above the medieval townscape.

Santa Maria Assunta and sacred heritage

At the heart of the village’s history is the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta. It dates from the 12th century and is built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Its former name is also important for understanding its history: the church was once known as the Pieve di Santa Maria in Arcione. Inside is a Bohemian stained-glass window from the 14th century. It depicts the mysteries of the Nativity and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Santa Maria Assunta therefore offers not only a connection to the village’s architectural history, but also a specific work of art with a religious iconographic program. The Museo di Arte Sacra offers another perspective on the village’s ecclesiastical heritage. It is an exhibition space featuring sacred artworks from the churches of the Buriano parish. Together with the parish church, the museum presents the religious art and history of the village as an independent theme.

Pilgrimages to the Romitorio di San Guglielmo

Buriano is also associated with recurring religious traditions. Every year in May, a pilgrimage on foot leads from the parish church in Buriano to the Romitorio di San Guglielmo. A second established tradition is the solemn procession from Buriano, which also leads to the Romitorio di San Guglielmo on the second Sunday after Easter. For your travel planning, these two details are particularly clear: the pilgrimage on foot takes place in May, while the procession takes place on a specific Sunday after Easter. Another sacred site is located in the surrounding area. The Santuario della Madonna del Romitorio lies in the forests of Monte Pruno, approximately 4 kilometres from Buriano.

Hiking route in the Frazione di Buriano

If you would like to combine your stay with a moderately difficult hike, the route to the Oratorio della Madonna and the Cappella della Badiola is a documented option. It covers approximately 6.8 kilometres in one direction and leads from 95 to 350 metres above sea level. The phrase “in one direction” is crucial here: the 6.8 kilometres do not automatically refer to the entire outward and return journey. In the Frazione di Buriano, this path is designated as Sentiero No. 210. If you would like to continue your research beyond Buriano, you can also look at Roccamare (Roccamare), Tirli (Tirli), Vetulonia (Vetulonia) and Punta Ala (Punta Ala).

For the overarching travel overview: Castiglione Della Pescaia.