Mount Amiat a 1,734 metres is the most important relief of southern Tuscany.  It rises up like a cathedral amongst the soft rolling hills, radiating a magical and spiritual atmosphere.

The Etruscans made their Olimpo, the base of  the Tinia god, the Longobardi called it Heimat, Patria.  Halfway through the 8th century the Judaea-David Religion of Santo David was widespread amongst its population.  A curious union of Christian and Socialism;  even today the Merigar Buddist Community lodge here and it’s a main destination for the Dalai Lama when touring Europe.

Splendid in any season, whether covered in snow or the reddish colour of fallen leaves  which reflect  the many green colours of its woods.  Towns which dot the mountain, in the past gained their prosperity from the mines and geothermal power and today as tourist attractions with excellent wines, oils and chestnut production.  It is equipped with an efficient network of ski slopes and ski facilities.

The so called Fascia dell’Olio (oil strip) which borders with the Val d’Orica (Orcia valley) and includes the boroughs of Castel del Piano, Seggiano and Arcidosso, is becoming a new frontier for  food and wine tourism.