Montepescali
Discover Montepescàli, the "Terrace of Maremma"
Welcome to Montepescàli, a hamlet of Grosseto, in Tuscany. This small village is located on top of a hill north of the municipal territory, where you can admire a spectacular panorama that ranges from the Tuscan coast to the Tuscan archipelago and Corsica. For this reason, Montepescàli is known as the "Terrace of Maremma". Let's explore some curious facts about this beautiful place.
Discover its history
Montepescàli has ancient origins, dating back to the early Middle Ages, when it was a fief of the Aldobrandeschi family. Subsequently, it fell under the dominion of Siena, but in the 15th century it obtained an autonomous statute that elevated it to a free municipality. During the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, it passed into the hands of the counts of Elci, Tolomei, Guadagni, and finally Federighi. The village has always been an agricultural center, and its inhabitants descended to the plain below to work on nearby estates and farms. Until 2006, its postal code was 58035.
Admire the monuments and places of interest
Montepescàli is famous for its churches, many of which preserve frescoes from the Sienese school. Among the main religious architectures, we find the Church of San Niccolò, with a Romanesque layout, which preserves an important cycle of frescoes from the Sienese school dating back to 1389. Recently, a large table by Matteo di Giovanni (Sienese school, 15th century) depicting the Madonna on a throne with angels and saints, originally located in the other church dedicated to Saints Stefano and Lorenzo, was also placed there. This church dates back to the 12th century and also preserves frescoes from the Sienese school (14th century). The rich stucco altar (late 15th century) which originally housed the altarpiece by Matteo di Giovanni is noteworthy. The Church of the Santissima Annunziata, built in the 14th century outside the walls in front of the Belvedere Tower, has been completely transformed into a residential building over the centuries, losing its original appearance. The Church of San Leonardo was of medieval origins and has been suppressed. The Cemetery, on the other hand, built in the 18th century at the behest of Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena, is located at the foot of the village. Finally, the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie dates back to the 13th century and outside the village, was extended in the 17th century. Deconsecrated and deprived of furnishings in the 18th century, today it appears in ruins. Finally, there is the Hermitage of Santa Maria Maddalena: also located outside the village, it appears in ruins with Romanesque stylistic elements. It was the seat of the Order of Saint William before its definitive abandonment in the 18th century.
Among the civil architectures stands out the Senese Cassero, an architectural complex from the Middle Ages that also includes the Clock Tower. Originally the Convent and the Church of Santa Cecilia, it was later suppressed and transformed first into a fortress by the Aldobrandeschi and then into a cassero by the Siena, who subsequently restructured it, adapting it into a Palace of Justice.
Rediscover the beauty of Tuscany
Montepescàli is a lovely place that will make you rediscover the beauty of Tuscany. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this ancient village and admire its churches and monuments, immersed in a breathtaking panorama. Don't forget to take a walk along the streets of the historic center and try the typical dishes of Tuscan cuisine in the local restaurants. If you are a fan of history and art, you won't be disappointed: Montepescàli is full of hidden treasures to discover. What are you waiting for? Start a new adventure in Tuscany!
