What to see in the surroundings
La Scottiglia is the perfect starting point for exploring the wonders of Tuscany. Located in the heart of this charming and historically rich region, our property offers privileged access to many destinations that will make your stay unforgettable. From the serene village of Seggiano, renowned for its olive oil production, to the striking Mount Amiata, an ancient volcano that offers outdoor activities in every season. From the awe-inspiring Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking landscapes, to Montalcino, home of the internationally acclaimed Brunello wine. From the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni, where you can unwind in its warm waters, to Pienza, a jewel of Italian Renaissance that is famous for its pecorino cheese. And lastly, San Casciano dei Bagni, with its thermal springs and rich history. Every corner of Tuscany has something unique to offer and staying at La Scottiglia provides you with an opportunity to discover it. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, wine lover, or just seeking relaxation, you’ll certainly find something that suits your taste.
Seggiano, a medieval village located on the Grosseto side of Mount Amiata, is famous for its production of oil, thanks to the favorable microclimate that promotes the cultivation of olive trees. This municipality of around 1000 inhabitants is known as the “City of Oil“, producing one of the most appreciated oils in Tuscany. The history of Seggiano dates back to the beginning of the 10th century when it was a possession of the San Salvatore abbey. Over the centuries, it has undergone the influence of various families and powers, including the Salimbeni, Ugurgieri, and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Among the main attractions of Seggiano stands out the Olive Tree in the Cisternone, a scientific installation that houses the largest plant in the world powered by aeroponic technology. This Seggianese Olivastra plant is the starting point for the discovery of the Oil Museum, a “spread museum” that winds its way through the village. The town also hosts several places of historical and religious interest, including the Church of San Bartolomeo, the Oratory of San Rocco, the Colombaio Convent, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity. Just outside the town center is the Castello del Potentino, while a short distance from the village is the Daniel Spoerri Garden, a park-museum dedicated to the artist of the same name. Seggiano is a place of tranquility and charm, an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and immersion in Tuscan culture and history.
Located in the heart of Tuscany, between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto, Mount Amiata provides an unparalleled tourist experience. This magnificent mountain stands tall and proud, commanding the surrounding scenery with awe-inspiring views. In the warm summer months, Amiata becomes a nature lover’s paradise. Its numerous trails offer relaxing walks through dense forests, allowing visitors to explore the region’s rich flora and fauna. Every path leads to new discoveries, ensuring each hike is an unforgettable adventure. Come winter, Mount Amiata comes alive with winter sports enthusiasts. Its ski and snowboard runs, accommodating all skill levels, promise an adrenaline-fueled thrill and fun for the whole family. After a day on the slopes, the area’s many charming mountain lodges offer a cozy retreat, where guests can indulge in local cuisine and Tuscan hospitality. However, Amiata isn’t just about nature. The mountain is surrounded by eight picturesque municipalities, including Arcidosso, Castell’Azzara, Castel del Piano, Santa Fiora, Seggiano, Abbadia San Salvatore, Castiglione d’Orcia, and Piancastagnaio, all offering a glimpse into Tuscan culture and history. Each town has its own charm and attractions, from medieval castles to art museums, local markets to traditional festivals.
The Val d’Orcia, located in the province of Siena, is a true gem of Tuscany. This region, characterized by gentle hills, vineyards as far as the eye can see, rows of cypress trees, and isolated farmhouses, represents the typical image of Tuscany that you see on postcards. The Val d’Orcia is a place where time seems to have stood still, with its medieval villages such as Pienza, Montalcino, Castiglione d’Orcia, and San Quirico d’Orcia. Here, visitors can relax, enjoy breathtaking views, and savor local delicacies, from pici to cinta senese salami, from the famous Pecorino di Pienza to the DOC wines produced in the area. Each village in the Val d’Orcia is special, offering glimpses of medieval and Renaissance architecture, castles, churches, fortresses, and panoramic terraces from which you can enjoy a fantastic view of the entire Val d’Orcia. If you love nature, Val d’Orcia is the ideal place for a bike ride or a walk along the ancient Cassia Way, the Francigena Road and the ancient dirt roads between vineyards and olive groves.
Montalcino, located in the province of Siena, is a charming medieval village known for producing the renowned Brunello wine. This small town, located on a hill, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Val d’Orcia. The historic center of Montalcino is dominated by the Fortress, built in 1361, which represents the last bastion of resistance of the Senese Republic against the Medicean conquest. The Diocesan Civic Museum of Sacred Art, hosted inside the former convent of Sant’Agostino, houses one of the richest collections of painting and wooden sculpture of the Sienese school. The main square of the town, Piazza del Popolo, hosts the Palazzo Comunale, adorned with the coats of arms of the numerous podestà who ruled the city over the centuries. In the surroundings of Montalcino, there is the splendid Abbey of Sant’Antimo, a monument of the twelfth century and one of the highest examples of Romanesque-French present in Italy. The territory surrounding Montalcino is characterized by a dense forest cover interspersed with traditional vine and olive cultivations. In addition to the famous Brunello wine of Montalcino, typical products of the area include honey, extra virgin olive oil, cold cuts, and cheeses.
Bagno Vignoni is a small village located in the heart of Val d’Orcia, in the province of Siena. This picturesque village, inhabited by only 30 people, is known for its central square, which houses a large thermal pool dating back to Roman times. Despite its small size, Bagno Vignoni has gained significant notoriety in recent years thanks to its uniqueness and thermal source, which has been made to flow into the main square over the centuries. The pool, as we see it today, dates back to the 16th century and was used by many artists and nobles of the time, who chose the location as a holiday destination. Although bathing in the main pool is prohibited, there is no shortage of attractions in the area, including thermal spas in nearby establishments where you can spend a pleasant day of relaxation.
Pienza, located in the heart of the beautiful Val d’Orcia, is one of the most charming villages in Tuscany. This city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its well-preserved historic center and local delicacies, including the famous Pecorino cheese. Walking through the historic center, you can admire the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Municipal Palace, the Piccolomini Palace-Museum with its hanging garden that offers a unique view of the Val d’Orcia, and the Borgia Palace, home to the Diocesan Museum of Pienza. Not far from the center, you will find the Pieve di Corsignano, a Romanesque church dating back to the 7th century. In September, Pienza hosts the Fiera del Cacio, a festival dedicated to Pecorino cheese and other local traditional products.
San Casciano dei Bagni is a charming thermal village located in Valdichiana Senese, known for its many sulfurous water springs. The village is rich in historic architecture, with house facades decorated with refined carvings and important places of worship such as the Insigne Collegiate of San Leonardo. The Palazzo Comunale, located at the highest point of the village, was once part of the city’s defense system. In the surroundings of San Casciano dei Bagni, there is the village of Celle di Rigo, an important military and commercial exchange point in past centuries. A few minutes from the village is Fonteverde, an elegant thermal center and 5-star resort, with thermal pools fed by natural springs rich in therapeutic properties. The area is also famous for its high-quality typical productions, such as DOP Terre di Siena extra virgin olive oil, truffles, Chianina beef breeding, and DOP Cinta Senese. Every year, in May, the Celle sul Rigo hamlet hosts the Sagra dei Pici, the oldest festival dedicated to this specialty from Siena.