Selva
Selva: a Tuscan hamlet immersed in nature
If you are looking for a peaceful place immersed in nature to rest and recharge, Selva could be the perfect destination. This hamlet is located in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany, and extends on the slopes of Mount Calvo at an altitude of 931 meters above sea level. Despite not having a well-defined urban structure, Selva offers many hamlets immersed in nature and a small cluster of houses called "Case Nuove".
The history of Selva
The origins of Selva date back to the year 1000, when a community settled near the current Convent of the Most Holy Trinity in Selva, which was donated by local noble families to Benedictine nuns. Over the centuries, the population of the hamlet remained fairly stable until 1840, when there was a significant demographic increase, which reached its peak in the 1930s, when the hamlet had over 1300 inhabitants.
Throughout its history, the inhabitants of Selva have always derived their livelihood from agriculture, pastoralism, forestry, and "maremmate", temporary descents into the territories of the Maremma. In the XX century, mining activity was also started, which had serious consequences on the health of the population. In the 1960s and 1970s of the last century, Selva underwent a strong depopulation that was then arrested in the 1990s. Today the population of the hamlet is about two hundred people, but it increases considerably during holiday periods.
In recent years, Selva has been experiencing a phase of rediscovery, thanks to the arrival of immigrants from other regions of Italy looking for the tranquility of nature. In particular, in the Vigne area, PDO "Olivastra Seggianese" extra-virgin olive oil is produced and several agritourisms have been established.
Monuments and places of interest
The Convent of the Most Holy Trinity in Selva is Selva's main tourist attraction. It is located in the center of a biotope of Abies alba and houses numerous works of art. Its history is linked to the legend of the "Cifero Serpente", or the "Dragon of Selva", set at the end of the fifteenth century. Even today, the upper part of the skull of this "monster", probably a crocodile or a huge snake, is preserved in the convent. Next to the convent is the church of Santo Stefano protomartyr, built in the seventeenth century and renovated in a neo-Romanesque style in 1933.
In the center of the hamlet is also the chapel of the Madonna Addolorata, known as the chiesina, built in 1828 and consecrated in 1833. Although it is not the headquarters of the parish, it is often used for religious functions due to its central location.
Demographic evolution
The demographic evolution of Selva shows a strong increase in the 1930s of the XX century, followed by an equally strong decrease in the 1960s and 1970s. In recent years, however, the hamlet has been experiencing a recovery thanks to the arrival of new residents.
If you are looking for a peaceful place to spend your holidays immersed in nature, Selva could be the right choice for you. This hamlet in the province of Grosseto offers many tourist attractions and an ancient and fascinating history. Discover Selva and let yourself be fascinated by the beauty of Tuscany.
