Abbadia San Salvatore is one of the most authentic and lesser-known villages in Tuscany, located on the slopes of Mount Amiata, just a short distance from Val d’Orcia.
If you’re looking for hidden gems in Tuscany, this charming medieval town offers a unique mix of history, nature, and local traditions, far from the crowded tourist routes.
Abbadia San Salvatore is located in southern Tuscany, in the province of Siena, on the eastern side of Mount Amiata.
It’s about:
– 1 hour from Siena
– 30 minutes from Val d’Orcia
– 2 hours from Florence
Thanks to its position, it’s a perfect destination for a day trip or as a base to explore southern Tuscany.
The Abbey
The village’s history is closely linked to that of the Abbey (see picture), which dates back to 1035 and is definitely one of the main attractions for tourists. The Abbey, located in the centre of the village, has been the heart of a great power exercised by the monks for long time. The historic centre of the village, called by Badenghi (local people) “paese vecchio“, is developed around the many churches and it still maintains many of its original features.
The mine and its museum
Abbadia owes part of its popularity to having hosted for many years one of the most productive mercury mines in the world, the remains of which are still visible when climbing towards the summit of Mount Amiata, just outside the town. The mining activity, which was active until the mid-70s, can today be rediscovered in the mining museum park in the town, a destination for tourists and students every year.
The climate and nature
Abbadia is at an altitude of 829 meters above sea level and this means that in summer the temperature is never too hot and in winter, even if biting, it is never made unbearable by the humidity typical of lower altitudes.
The proximity of the centre town to the woods of Mount Amiata, is ideal for people who wish to stay in the village and try at summer and winter excursions on the numerous routes present in the area. In winter Mount Amiata is also a fully equipped ski resort, where you can enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, as well as walks in the snow with snowshoes.
The ”fiaccole”
Abbadia has recently acquired the name of “Città delle Fiaccole” for traditional torchlight procession (fiaccolata) that takes place on Christmas Eve and sees the entire villages filled with enormous piles of lit wood. A tradition that has always attracted many visitors and tourists all over Italy.
The ”Festa Medievale” and “Festa d’autunno” – typical products
You should not also miss the “Festa Medievale” (Medieval Festival) which takes place on July and the “Festa d’Autunno” (Autumn Festival) or Chestnut Festival which takes place annually on October and honours fruits of nature which have fed our ancestors for years .
In addition to chestnuts, among the typical products of this village, we would like to mention the pear “picciola”, so named because of its small size. It has recently been included in the list of traditional food produced in Tuscany. It is a rare fruit, not very sweet, grainy pulp, which in the past constituted an important source of income, along with the chestnut.
Here you will not only find history and nature but also excellent restaurants where you can enjoy the best local and Tuscan products, including the famous mushroom soup in a bread crust and the “ricciolina”, a typical dessert of Abbadia San Salvatore made with almonds and chocolate.
You can arrive from the SOUTH along the Cassia state road from Rome, from the North always along the Cassia from Siena, or from the WEST side of Mount Amiata, passing Grosseto or always from Siena, passing through the wonderful woods that surround the town.
Editorial advice
If you come to Abbadia, don’t forget to visit the “Marcellina” shop, a shop from times gone by, now famous throughout the world, where you can find everything from excellent cheese to good wine, to a pair of skates from the early 1900s. Seeing is believing…
There are also excellent hotels, B&Bs and farm houses where you can spend a peaceful holiday; you can find them all on our “where to stay” page.
And don’t forget the numerous restaurants where you can eat.
We are waiting for you in Abbadia San Salvatore!
Institutional and tourist websites
Would you like to know tourists’ feedback on Abbadia San Salvatore? Visit the TripAdvisor page.
The area around Abbadia San Salvatore is full of incredible places to explore:
– Val d’Orcia (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
– Bagno Vignoni (thermal village)
– Pienza (Renaissance town)
– Monte Amiata (nature and trekking)
