Campagnatico
Exploring Campagnatico
Hello everyone! Today I would like to talk about Campagnatico, a beautiful municipality in Grosseto, Tuscany, with a population of 2389. The territory of Campagnatico extends around the terminal stretch of the Ombrone Valley, near the Grossetan Maremma plain. Would you like to know more about the physical geography, history, and climate of this municipality? Then here are all the details!
Physical geography
Territory
Campagnatico borders several municipalities, such as Civitella Paganico, Cinigiano, Arcidosso, Roccalbegna, Scansano, Grosseto, and Roccastrada. Between the inhabited centers and the fractions, the altitude changes significantly, from a minimum of 40 meters above sea level to a maximum of 384 meters above sea level. This is due to the eastern slopes of Monte Leoni, which represents the highest point of the municipality (with the summit of 616 meters above sea level). Overall, Campagnatico is classified as a seismic zone 3, meaning low seismicity.
Climate
Data from the 30-year interval from 1951 to 1980 shows that the annual average temperature is around +14.4°C at 160 meters above sea level in Campagnatico, and around +14.7°C at 84 meters above sea level in Granaione, in the southern part of the territory. The average annual rainfall increases from the internal valleys to the hilly reliefs, reaching just over 700 mm along the Ombrone Valley. In winter, thanks to the 1903 degree days recorded, it is possible to turn on heating systems for a maximum of 12 hours per day from November 1st to April 15th. According to the national climate classification, Campagnatico is included in zone D, and atmospheric diffusivity is considered high.
History
Campagnatico has a very ancient history. It was born as a possession of the San Salvatore Abbey on Mount Amiata, passing then to the Aldobrandeschi in 973. In 1259, the killing of Omberto Aldobrandeschi was mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy, and determined the passage of the castle under the medieval commune of Siena. Subsequently, the Visconti of Campiglia d'Orcia and the Tolomei of Siena disputed the dominion over this territory. Finally, Campagnatico definitively passed under the control of Siena, becoming part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in the sixteenth century.
Natural history
But it's not just human history that makes Campagnatico surprising! In 2007, the fossil remains of three ancestors of the current dugongs (herbivorous marine mammals) were discovered in the locality of Arcille. These remains date back to over 4.5 million years ago, when the territory of Campagnatico was part of the bottom of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Conclusion
So here is an overview of Campagnatico! A municipality that combines a diverse territory with a fascinating history and an extraordinary natural heritage. If you are looking for a quiet vacation, immersed in nature, or if you want to discover the beauties and curiosities of western Tuscany, then I recommend visiting it. I am sure that this place will surprise you!
