Civitella Paganico
Civitella Paganico: a small Tuscan town
Civitella Paganico is a scattered municipality located in the beautiful Tuscany region, in the northern part of the Grosseto province. The municipality was formed from the union of various previous villages, and the municipal seat is located in Civitella Marittima. Currently, the municipality has a population of around 2984 inhabitants.
Physical Geography
Territory
The municipal territory of Civitella Paganico stretches along the Ombrone Valley and borders the municipalities of Monticiano and Murlo and the province of Siena to the north, the municipality of Montalcino and the same province of Siena to the east, the municipality of Cinigiano to the southeast, the municipality of Campagnatico to the south, and the municipality of Roccastrada to the west.
The municipal territory ranges from the flat areas along the course of the Ombrone river to the hilly areas that cover almost the entire rest of the territory. The village of Casale di Pari is situated at the highest altitude, reaching 481 meters above sea level.
Climate
The climate of Civitella Paganico is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. According to data from the 1951-1980 thirty-year period, the average annual temperature ranges from +13.6 °C at an altitude of 363 meters above sea level in Pari (Civitella Paganico) to +14.7 °C at an altitude of 71-76 meters above sea level in Paganico and Monte Antico. The average annual rainfall ranges from 828 mm in Monte Antico to 927 mm in Pari.
History
The municipal territory of Civitella Paganico has a rich history. In ancient times, several small Etruscan centers from the Villanovan and then Orientalizing civilizations occupied the territory, before the domination of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the empire, the Ombrone valley was abandoned and marshy. With the Lombards, there was a new occupation of the territory, which then passed under the dominion of the Ardengheschi family and local lords. Later, the medieval city-state of Siena had possession of the territory in various phases, and in the mid-sixteenth century it passed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Economy
Business activities
The economy of Civitella Paganico is mainly based on agriculture, with the production of cereals, grapes, and olives. The municipality is also famous for the breeding of Maremma cows, raised for the production of high-quality meat, milk, and cheese. Despite being a small municipality, Civitella Paganico also boasts some commercial activities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and bars.
Culture
Monuments and places of interest
Civitella Paganico is also renowned for its cultural aspect. Within the municipal territory, there are numerous monuments and places of interest. One of the most beautiful is the church of San Giovanni Battista, which dates back to the twelfth century and has a Romanesque style. Other points of interest include the Clock Tower, the church of Sant’Antonio Abate, the Fonte delle Monache, and the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Casale di Pari.
Events
Festa del Borgo
Every August, the "Festa del Borgo" (Village Festival) is celebrated in Civitella Paganico. During the event, typical local dishes can be tasted, music can be heard, and various medieval-themed activities can be participated in.
Festa di San Giovanni Battista
In honor of the municipality's patron saint, San Giovanni Battista, the festival is celebrated every year on June 24th. The event includes the lighting of fireworks and the parade of the municipal band.
Civitella Paganico is a small but fascinating municipality, offering many interesting activities and places to visit. Its ancient history, commercial activities, and natural beauty make it a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation in Tuscany.
