Hiking around The Etruscan Sacred Mountain

Monte Amiata, a protected volcano today by the Tuscan Region, was the Etruscan’s sacred mountain.

Between the mountain and its surrounding land there has always been a strong bond, not only with geographical nature, but also its historical and social characteristics that are deeply rooted from ancient times. A magical attraction, between its neighbouring valleys and its resources, that the great volcano nurtures its warm welcome.  A mystical energy that leaves the area and its population that live here in a state of reliance towards the Mount and its wealth it has to offer.

The Etruscans called the Amiatina mountain ‘Mons Tuniatua’, hence, putting in evidence a clear sacred designation: Tinia, or Tunia was in fact the principal Etruscan god, and a devotional attribution was very usual at the mountain summit, which were to appear as hypothetical residences of the gods object of the cult: a Sacred Mountain.

The heights represented by the peak of Amiata and the mountainous and hilly landscape of the Val d’Orcia have always represented privileged places of worship and places of divinity, for the sacredness of the woods, proximity to the celestial sphere of the high and often snowy peaks, the many springs of water that flow from them, like the Fiora, creating navigable and productive waterways, the warm of the volcano that today still lives on under the mountain.

This, then, is what we propose, a journey through these mystic lands, discovering the mountain resources of woods, minerals, the water, so that you can perceive the spirituality and the sacredness of these antique places.

Day 1 – The Holy Mountain

Arrival at the hotel, check-in and welcome cocktail.
Guided walk to the summit of the Holy Mountain. It is certainly a must-do experience to connect with Nature and feel the Sacredness of this solitary Mountain.
Following, return and dinner.

Day 2 – Sacred Ritual and Red Cinnabar

Guided hike through the forest to get to Abbadia San Salvatore.
This will be followed by a visit to the namesake Abbey and its evocative underground crypt , which recent findings of characteristic materials from Etruscan times highlight how the place was the object of rituals even in ancient times.
Following, typical lunch.
After lunch, guided tour of the Abbadia San Salvatore Mining Museum Park and access to the gallery by a vintage train.

The Park is what remains of the great industrial revolution that Monte Amiata experienced in the second half of the 1800s when it became one of Europe’s best-known centers for mercury production. However, the excavation of cinnabar (from which mercury is extracted) in Mount Amiata dates back to ancient times: we know that the Etruscans used Amiata cinnabar as a coloring paste in paintings.
Afterwards, return to the hotel by taxi/bus and dinner.

Day 3 – The Mountain of Waters

There are dozens of stories aboun the Amiata’s waters and springs; all these stories tell us that the Monte Amiata is the Water Mountain ‘par excellence’.
In fact, because of its volcanic origines it has always had the characteristic of having a huge presence of springs of pure and potable water.

You will experience a guided excursion to the picturesque village of Santa Fiora. There will be planty of historical points of interest along the way.
Once in Santa Fiora, guided tours of the historic village, with the Peschiera that collects the waters of the Fiora River and the adjoining Church of the Madonna delle Nevi with the transparent floor under which the river flows.
Followed by lunch at a small typical restaurant and departure.

The package costs 639 euros per person in a double room for 2 people.
Reductions for groups starting from 3 people.
Tourist tax not included (to be paid upon check-out at the facility).
The offer is valid all year round.