Giuncarico
Exploring Giuncarico: a hidden gem in the Tuscan Maremma
Giuncarico is a hamlet of the municipality of Gavorrano, in the province of Grosseto, located in the Tuscan Maremma. The hamlet is located on top of a hill overlooking the Bruna river valley, and the territory is crossed by some streams, such as the Sovata stream and the Alborelli and Mollarello ditches. Despite its isolated location, Giuncarico is only about 15 km from Gavorrano and offers many attractions for tourists who want to explore the area.
A brief history of Giuncarico
The village of Giuncarico dates back to the 8th century when it was founded by the Aldobrandeschi family. During the following centuries, control passed to the Pannocchieschi family and then to Siena in the 13th century. After the fall of the Republic of Siena, Giuncarico was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Today, the hamlet is renowned for its medieval architecture, historic churches, and Renaissance-era palaces.
Religious architectures
The Church of Sant'Egidio is the parish church of Giuncarico and is located in the historic center of the hamlet. The gabled facade dates back to 1930, but the medieval layout is still present. The bell tower even dates back to the 15th century. The interior is embellished with an 18th-century painting depicting the ''Madonna del rosario con santa Caterina da Siena e san Domenico''.
The Oratory of the Holy Crucifix is located just outside the historic center and dates back to 1892. It was built on the ruins of the 16th-century church of the Confraternity of San Bernardino and was used as a sanctuary thanks to the huge wooden crucifix that was kept there. Unfortunately, the crucifix and other furnishings were stolen in recent times.
The Romitorio of Sant'Ansano was a religious complex dating back to the 18th century located near Giuncarico. Today it is reduced to ruins, but it is still possible to admire the small church with its rose window on the facade.
Civil architectures
The Palazzo Pretorio is located in the historic center of Giuncarico and dates back to the 16th century. Initially, it was the seat of the court with an attached tribunal and prisons. Today the complex is used as a residential building.
The Palazzo Camaiori-Piccolomini is one of the most beautiful palaces in Giuncarico and is located along Via Roma. The construction dates back to 1470 and was the residence of the Camaiori-Piccolomini family. The interiors are interesting thanks to the barrel and cross vaults and the mural paintings in some rooms on the upper floors. Even the old well with the cistern is still present.
The Tedeschini-Camaiori Palace is located in via Pola and dates back to the 17th century. It was the residence of the Tedeschini-Camaiori family and has retained much of its original facade.
Conclusions
Giuncarico is a small hamlet in the Tuscan Maremma that deserves to be visited. Among the main attractions are the historic churches and Renaissance-era palaces. Despite its isolated location, the hamlet offers many tourist services, such as restaurants and bars. If you are planning a visit to the Maremma, do not leave out this little gem from your itinerary.
