Montemerano: medieval historic centre and art in the Maremma hinterland

Montemerano lies on a hill in the Maremma hinterland. Magnificent centuries-old olive trees characterise the hill and give the town a distinctly rural character. At the same time, medieval architectural history, sacred art and unique insights into the local settlement structure come together here. In Montemerano, the hilly landscape of the Maremma meets a medieval historic centre.

A medieval historic centre with a distinctive shape

The medieval historic centre dates back to the rule of the Aldobrandeschi between 1005 and 1010. Three sections of wall protect Montemerano and give its structure a characteristic heart shape. This distinctive form is one of the town’s most striking features and makes the medieval fortifications immediately recognisable in the townscape. Piazza del Castello opens up behind an archway at the end of a steep ascent through Montemerano. From Porta del Ponte, the route leads into Via Italia, the town’s main street. There are old underground cellars and enclosed arcades here. Those exploring the historic centre therefore encounter not only individual sights, but also different historical layers: fortifications, an archway, the main street and hidden spaces beneath the houses.

Churches and works of art

The parish church of San Giorgio, on the northern edge of the historic centre, is considered the diocese’s first art gallery because of the numerous and significant works of art inside. This makes it a particularly important destination within the town for art enthusiasts. The Chiesa di San Giorgio is a 14th-century building that was expanded during the Renaissance. Another historical trace leads to the Pieve di San Lorenzo, the oldest church in Montemerano. It is mentioned in a document from 1188 and is now a theatre. Madonna della Gattaiola also combines art history with an unusual detail: the painting, created around the middle of the 15th century by a local artist, owes its name to a round hole at its lower edge. The Biblioteca Comunale di Storia dell’Arte adds to this cultural profile. It holds around 7,000 volumes on art history, archaeology, architecture, illustration, design and photography. Its collection therefore ranges from medieval local history to a broad collection relating to art and visual studies.

A festival with medieval imagery

The Festa di San Giorgio is held from 23 to 25 April. It includes the Giostra del Drago with young people from the three Contrade, a procession in medieval costumes through the town’s alleys and the performance of “La vera storia di San Giorgio” as shadow theatre. These elements give historic Montemerano its own narrative and communal dimension, without reducing the town to its medieval past. For further orientation within this selection of towns, you can also explore Poggio Murella, Saturnia, Marsiliana and Capanne.

For the overarching travel overview: Manciano.