Monterotondo Marittimo
Discovering Monterotondo Marittimo
If you're looking for a peaceful place to spend a holiday surrounded by nature, history, and culture, Monterotondo Marittimo is the right place. It is a small municipality in the province of Grosseto, located in Tuscany, with only 1271 inhabitants. In this friendly guide, we will take you on a journey to discover all the most interesting and characteristic places of Monterotondo Marittimo, from physical geography to history, monuments and churches.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of Monterotondo Marittimo covers an area of over 100 km² in the western part of the Metalliferous Hills. The village borders the municipalities of Monteverdi Marittimo, Pomarance, and Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina in the province of Pisa, to the east with the municipality of Montieri, to the south with the municipality of Massa Marittima, and to the west with the municipality of Suvereto and the province of Livorno. The inhabited centers of Monterotondo Marittimo develop from the 168 meters above sea level of Frassine, in the western part of the municipal territory, up to the 539 meters above sea level of Monterotondo Marittimo. Although the municipal territory is classified as zone 3, near the town of Monterotondo Marittimo, there was the epicenter of the earthquake of the Metalliferous Hills of August 19, 1970, which reached a magnitude of 5.01 on the Richter scale and the VI degree on the Mercalli scale.
Climate
The climate of Monterotondo Marittimo is classified as zone E, with 2270 degree days. The average annual temperature varies from 12.9 °C in Monterotondo Marittimo to 14.9 °C in Lago Boracifero. The average annual rainfall tends to have abundant accumulations due to the influence of the relief of the Metalliferous Hills that creates a "stau" effect with westerly, south-westerly and easterly winds. Rainfall varies from 883 mm in Lago Boracifero to 1,005 in Monterotondo Marittimo.
History
The village has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Originally, it was an ancient possession of the Abbey of Monteverdi Marittimo, a location located in the Pisan territory. Later, the place was controlled by the Alberti family. In the thirteenth century, the center passed under the control of Massa Marittima, which kept it until the first half of the fourteenth century (1359), when, following its fall, it was incorporated into the Republic of Siena. The village remained under Sienese domination until the mid-sixteenth century, when it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious Architecture
Among the most interesting places in Monterotondo Marittimo are the parish churches. The Church of San Lorenzo is a religious building located in the historic center of the town. Founded in the twelfth century, it was rebuilt several times over the centuries. Other religious buildings of interest are the church of San Giovanni Battista, the church of San Francesco, and the church of Sant'Agostino.
Museums and Natural Areas
La Tuassia is a green area located a few kilometers from the center of Monterotondo Marittimo. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and trekking, with paths that wind through woods and hills. The Mining Museum is another place of great interest. It is located in the locality of San Silvestro, about 10 kilometers from the center of Monterotondo Marittimo. Inside the museum, it is possible to visit the mining park, consisting of a series of underground galleries that develop along a copper mine.
Events and Festivals
Monterotondo Marittimo is also famous for its festivals and events. The main festival is that of Torciolo, which takes place at the end of August. During this festival, you can taste the typical puff pastry desserts filled with sultanas and pine nuts. The Wild Boar Festival and the Fritelle Festival are also highly anticipated events by residents and tourists alike.
In conclusion, Monterotondo Marittimo is an ideal place to spend a peaceful holiday, between nature and culture. The village offers many interesting suggestions to discover the history and tradition of Tuscany, and to enjoy the beauty of the territory, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
