Manciano
Hello Manciano!
We are thrilled to introduce you to the history and geography of the municipality of Manciano, located in the heart of the province of Grosseto in Tuscany.
A Panoramic View
The town of Manciano is situated atop a hill, overlooking the plain and Albegna Valley on one side and the tufo area on the other. The territory extends in the inland of southern Tuscany, where the Albegna and Fiora hills meet. The municipality borders the municipalities of Roccalbegna, Semproniano, Sorano, Pitigliano, Ischia di Castro and Canino, Montalto di Castro, Capalbio, Orbetello, Magliano in Toscana, and Scansano.
A Pleasant Climate
The climate of the municipality is classified into a particular category that allows heating systems to be turned on for 14 hours a day, from October 15 to April 15. The winter is cool, while the summer is moderately warm. The average temperature in January is 4.7 °C, while that of July is 22.0 °C. The average annual precipitation is 873 mm, distributed evenly throughout 85 rainy days.
A Bit of History
The municipality of Manciano has ancient history, and traces of settlements date back to the Bronze Age. The first mention of the inhabited center dates back to 1188 when Pope Clemente III referred to the castle during a privilege granted to the church of Sovana. After being owned by the Aldobrandeschi, the municipality was ceded to the Counts of Sovana and later conquered by the Orvieto Commune, the Baschi of Montemerano, and finally by the Orsini of the County of Pitigliano.
In 1416, the center was conquered by the Republic of Siena, which strengthened the city's defenses by improving the walls and building the fortress. In 1455, they were forced to return the center to the Orsini. In 1557, the municipality was granted to Duke Cosimo de' Medici, who transformed it into an agricultural center and led to the end of its military functions and the consequent degradation of the fortified architectural works.
Discovering Manciano
The historic center of Manciano is dominated by the majestic Rocca degli Aldobrandeschi, dating back to the 11th century. The fortress has been recently restored and today is an important historical monument of the city. The Church of San Leonardo, the Oratory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the Town Hall are also places of historical and cultural interest.
There are also numerous natural paths in the surrounding hills, including the famous Giardino dei Tarocchi in Pescia Fiorentina and the Mulino Waterfall in Saturnia, known for its natural thermal baths.
Conclusion
Manciano is a municipality rich in history and culture, situated in a privileged location in Tuscany. Its unique climate and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for history and nature enthusiasts. We are delighted to have shared with you this brief tour of the city of Manciano.
