Manciano, a small town situated in the province of Grosseto in the region of Maremma, not far from the sea, boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is a picturesque destination, renowned for its Orange Flag award, which is a prestigious recognition given by the Italian Touring Club to villages of exceptional beauty in the hinterland.
Is Manciano worth a visit?
Manciano is perfect for those looking to explore nature and immerse themselves in history, as well as for those seeking to indulge in the local wine and food traditions. It is a place of wellness, culture and discovery.
How old is Manciano Italy?
Manciano is a village steeped in history dating back thousands of years, as evidenced by the Cassero, the current town hall. The Cassero, an impressive structure built on a grey sandstone boulder, is believed to have existed since the 12th century and was restored and expanded during the Sienese period in the 15th century. Visitors can explore an historical itinerary inside the Cassero, which tells the story of the village through artifacts and paintings by local artists from the late 19th and early 20th century.
Manciano also boasts a panoramic tower, built in 1935, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The tower offers a unique panorama of the entire Tuscan Maremma, from the sea to the hills, from the peaks of Mount Amiata to Lake Bolsena, and even the Tuscan-Lazio Maremma and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. On clear days, the view can even extend as far as Corsica.
Another notable attraction in Manciano is the Stanze complex, which was originally used for public functions and later served as the seat of the Società dei Risoluti academy in the mid-19th century. Today, it is open for temporary exhibitions. The panoramic tower provides a 360-degree view of the Maremma, including the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, and on clear days even reaching as far as Corsica.
In addition to the Cassero, Manciano is also home to another significant monument, the fountain in Piazza Garibaldi, which was built in the Art Nouveau style in 1913 to celebrate the arrival of the aqueduct to the town. The ancient town of Manciano is surrounded by well-preserved walls, built by the Aldobrandeschi in the late 13th century, that were part of an efficient defense system that included 11 watchtowers. Only one of these watchtowers remains fully intact, while another half remains, located on the left side of Porta Fiorella.
One of the most prominent landmarks in the village is the bell tower of the Church of San Leonardo, which was built in the first half of the 14th century in the Romanesque-Gothic style, but has undergone multiple restorations that have altered its original appearance. Another notable structure is the Clock Tower, believed to have been built in 1472, which is an integral part of the oldest town hall building and served as a granary, school, stable and vicarage. The historic center also features the Museum of Prehistory and Protohistory of the Fiora River Valley, which houses important artifacts that provide insight into the lives of communities prior to the Etruscan civilization.
Author: Eduardo Lubrano
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