Selva: Forest Landscape and Cultural Heritage in Tuscany
Accommodation in Selva
Selva brings together the wooded slopes of Monte Calvo and a local history dating back to 1077. It also offers a forest reserve with a circular trail, the Convento della SS. TrinitĂ , and works of art in the convent and church. You can tailor your stay to nature, history, or local event dates; several clear focal points are available for a trip that caters to different interests.
Hillside Setting and Protected Forest
Selva is a settlement of scattered groups of houses, surrounded by forest on the right-hand slope of the upper Fiora Valley. It lies on the slopes of Monte Calvo, whose elevation is given as 930 meters. The scattered groups of houses shape the character of the settlement just as much as the forests do; the mountain and valley give Selva a clear sense of its landscape.
The Riserva Naturale Bosco della SS. Trinità lies on the northwestern slope of Monte Calvo in the upper Fiora Valley. The protected area is situated at an elevation of about 620 to 700 meters. It was established to protect a stand of silver firs considered spontaneous and autochthonous—that is, naturally occurring and native. The conservation objective is therefore specifically focused on this fir population. The elevation figures distinguish the reserve’s hillside location from Monte Calvo, whose elevation is given as 930 meters.
History and Art in Selva
Selva was first mentioned in 1077 under the name Monte Calvo. The Convento della SS. Trinità was established in Selva at the behest of the Aldobrandesca, the counts of Santa Fiora. The early reference and the named connection to the convent’s founding offer different ways to explore the history of the settlement.
The Convento houses an altarpiece by Girolamo di Benvenuto; the Chiesa della Santissima TrinitĂ preserves a Robbian crucifix. For your cultural itinerary, the two works are in different locations: the altarpiece is in the Convento, and the crucifix is in the church. Selva thus offers both sacred painting by a named artist and a Robbian crucifix as specific cultural highlights.
Circular Trail and Event Calendar
The Bosco della Santissima Trinità has a circular trail that leads into the forest and can be used for trekking. A municipal notice dated April 28, 2026, described the trail as well maintained; check its current condition before your visit. The circular trail is a concrete way to include the forest as an activity in your travel plans and to balance Selva’s cultural history with a focus on nature.
Selva’s traditional event calendar includes the “Giro delle fonti di Selva” walking event on the first Sunday in August. The Sagra della Cipolla also takes place in August; the dates given are August 13, 14, and 15, with events starting at 7 p.m. If you want to plan your trip around one of these dates, check the latest event information in advance.
Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Plans
If you’re looking for a hotel in Selva, first consider whether the forest and circular trail, the works of art, or an event date will be the deciding factor for your trip. If you’re traveling with companions who have different interests, nature and history can provide two distinct focuses for your stay. This lets you explore Selva according to your interests without limiting the day to a single theme.
Discover more destinations: Bagnore.
Return to the main travel overview: Santa Fiora.
