Selvena
Discover Selvena: a hamlet with a millennial history
If you are looking for a peaceful place to relax and admire the beauty of Italian historical and cultural heritage, you should definitely visit Selvena! This hamlet in the municipality of Castell'Azzara, in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany, boasts a millennial history that dates back to the Etruscan and Roman eras.
History: a castle that hosted many battles
Selvena was an important center of interest during the Middle Ages, thanks to its imposing and impregnable Aldobrandeschi castle, built in the 9th century. The castle has witnessed many conflicts and attacks, and had its last castellan, Count Giacomo Aldobrandeschi, in the 15th century. In his honor, a local tradition was established consisting of offering a votive candle of 200 Sienese denari to the Madonna Assunta every August 14th.
Monuments and places of interest: from the Church of San Nicola da Tolentino to the Rocca Silvana
Among the monuments and places of interest in Selvena, stand out the Church of San Nicola da Tolentino and the Rocca Silvana. The church, built in 1797, was consecrated in 1838 and expanded with the addition of the bell tower in 1850. Replacing the ancient parish church, the church stands as an important place of worship in the hamlet. The Rocca Silvana, which rises just south of the village, with its imposing appearance, recalls the millennial history of the village.
Society: the demographic evolution of the hamlet of Selvena
The demographic evolution of Selvena has been interesting and varied. In 1745, the hamlet had 263 inhabitants, while in 2011 a total of 480 people were recorded. However, the data provided by Istat only concern the inhabited center and not the entire hamlet.
Culture: the votive candle and the Palio dei Somari
Thanks to the Pro Loco association of Selvena, the August 14th event is now a consolidated tradition in the local festivities agenda. In addition to the ceremony of the votive candle in honor of the Madonna dell'Assunta, which sees the participation of various districts, there is also the Palio dei Somari, called "Casali Silbinae", which takes place on August 15th and involves the districts of the village in an exciting challenge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Selvena is a hamlet with great historical and cultural value, a place not to be missed if you are a lover of Italian history and culture. Whether you are interested in the local tradition or in the beauty of ancient monuments, Selvena is the perfect place for you!
