Poggioferro: Church Art in the Hills

Poggioferro is a hamlet of Scansano, situated at an altitude of about 490 m in the Albegna and Fiora hills. The route from Scansano via Murci to Saturnia passes through Poggioferro and the forests of Monte Lumini. If you would like to include the hills, local history and outdoor activities in your stay in Tuscany, as well as well-known art destinations, you will find several specific points of interest here.

Hills and local rural history

Its location in the hills offers a rural perspective for planning your trip. Poggioferro is therefore particularly worth considering if you do not want to plan your stay solely around urban cultural attractions. The route through the village and the forests of Monte Lumini connects Poggioferro with a distinct landscape; it runs from Scansano via Murci to Saturnia. The village is thus defined not only by its connection to Scansano, but also by this described route.

The Chiesa della Santa Croce and its works of art

The Chiesa della Santa Croce is a local point of interest for art history. It was mentioned as a chapel in 1729 and became a parish church in 1789. The church houses a panel by Giovanni di Paolo depicting the Madonna and Child with musical angels. A polychrome wooden crucifix made in Tuscany in the 18th century stands on the high altar. Together, these details give the local history and the art in the church a distinct character: the church’s development is documented by two historical dates, and its artworks are identified by artist, subject, material and origin.

If you are interested in church art, this local focus offers an alternative to simply orienting your trip around major art destinations. The church’s development from chapel to parish church tells the story of the village, while the panel and crucifix provide their own artistic highlights.

Horseback riding and a documented trekking route

There are different options for active days on holiday. Tenuta Il Prato, at 58054 Poggioferro di Scansano, offers horseback rides along panoramic trails as well as lessons in the basics of riding with experienced instructors. If you would like to plan a ride or a lesson, check current dates and booking conditions directly with Tenuta Il Prato.

A trekking route documented in 2022 starts in Poggioferro and passes through woodland and adjacent fields to the Senna stream, which must be crossed three times. The route then climbs for about 2.5 kilometres to Castello di Montepò; the return journey takes a different path through vineyards. The outward leg features woodland, fields and the three crossings of the Senna, while the return leg passes through vineyards. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether you are more interested in an activity on horseback or a described trekking route.

The origins of the Sagra del Tortello

The Sagra del Tortello also has a specific local history. An account published in 2025 traces its origins back 55 years: the event was started at the initiative of the parish and the parish priest at the time, Don Pietro Natali, to fund Poggioferro’s local football team. This history connects the name of the festival with a particular local purpose. It adds another facet of community life in Poggioferro to the history of its church and art.

Poggioferro as a destination when looking for accommodation

When choosing a hotel, you can start by considering what you would like to focus on during your stay in Tuscany. Poggioferro offers points of interest for travellers who want to combine the hills, church art and outdoor activities. Interests may differ within a travel group: the Chiesa della Santa Croce and the history of the Sagra appeal to those interested in culture, while horseback riding or the described trekking route offer other activities. If this rural perspective suits your plans, Poggioferro could be a good choice of destination.

Discover more destinations: Murci, Polveraia

For the broader travel overview: Scansano.