Lama: Hiking, Thermal Pools and Art

Lama combines several very different reasons to consciously explore southern Tuscany: routes lead through landscapes on the Sienese hillside, to swimming spots and thermal pools, into a nature reserve and to remarkable art in Iesa. For planning your trip, the contrast between the individual routes is particularly interesting. You can choose between a 6.60-kilometre route to Petriolo, a route with possible fords through the Farma and an exploration of Pozzolungo with its geological features.

Hiking Routes with Different Focal Points

The RSMF3 Solaia Petriolo route is 6.60 kilometres long and leads from Iesa to Petriolo on the Sienese hillside. It is therefore a clearly defined connection between two named starting and destination points. The RSMF2 Contra Vignacci route has a different character: it includes three possible fords through the Farma and then climbs up to the Belagaio State Nature Reserve. The fords are a specific feature of this route and clearly distinguish it from the route to Petriolo.

Water, Landscape and Natural Environment

Along the RSMF3 Solaia Petriolo route, there are several opportunities to swim. At the end are the free thermal pools of Petriolo and a swimming spot in the Farma. The route thus combines the course of the trail with several documented opportunities to spend time by the water, without requiring an additional excursion focus. The landscape around Lama and Pozzolungo also displays geological features. The Fosso di Solaia rises from springs between Cerbaia and Lama. Pozzolungo is part of the Farma Nature Reserve. There are layered Carboniferous rock formations there that formed 320 million years ago and rise steeply above a stream. For the RSMF1 Contra Pozzolungo route, there is a car park at the Antica Fonte between Lama and Contra. A path to Pozzolungo leads from Lama towards Solaia along the road to Quarciglioni and then via a trail.

Small Chapel and Sculpture Park

In addition to the routes, the cultural destinations around the town are worth exploring. In the town of Lama, the small Cappella di Lama stands at Piazzale del Monumento, at a road junction. It is a single, clearly identified cultural site within the town. In Iesa, in the municipality of Monticiano, lies the Parco di sculture di Kurt Laurenz Metzler. The park was begun in 1995 by the Swiss artist Kurt Laurenz Metzler and contains more than fifty works. It therefore provides an independent accent alongside nature, trails and thermal pools: your stay can be shaped not only by landscapes and bathing, but also by sculptures and outdoor art. If you would like to compare additional destinations for your Tuscany research, you can also view Sant'angelo In ColleSant'angelo In Colle, Castelnuovo Dell'abateCastelnuovo Dell'abate and TorrenieriTorrenieri.

For the overarching travel overview: Montalcino.