Protected by the grandeur of Mount Amiata and caressed by sea breezes, we find a summit that has unique characteristics: Mount Labbro (sometimes called Mount Labro). It is a mountain that only reaches 1193 meters but which has, however, the typical volcanic cone formation. At its highest point, a singular tower was built there.
During the Middle Ages it was customary to build towers and strongholds in the Amiata area in order to better spot any attacks and protect the villages (just think of Rocca d’Orcia, Radicofani, Montalcino and many others). This tower, however, has a different history from all the others. Before embarking on this journey, equip yourself with trekking shoes or a mountain bike, because in this way you can enjoy the nature that surrounds the mountain to the fullest.
Mount Labbro is part of the Amiata protected nature reserve. Within the reserve itself there is also the wildlife park. The mountain has a unique charm because it is completely bare, arid, with low vegetation, rocky, and all this gives us the impression of having landed in a lunar place. In addition, from the top, there is an incredible panorama which seems to have only our imagination as a limit. On clear days you are even able to see Corsica.
Davide Lazzaretti
The mountain also has a certain historical importance closely linked to the figure of Davide Lazzaretti, also known as “The Prophet of Amiata“. David, following divine visions, undertakes his mission and founds his community, called jurisdictionavidic, right on the top of Mount Labro. In fact, up there he built the jurisdictional tower, the hermitage and other structures.
His community garnered a lot of support because it was focused on the community itself. Mutual support, equality of members, school for all children (boys and girls) and social solidarity were the basis of his thinking. The movement created by Lazzaretti extended far beyond the mountain borders and the “prophet” himself wrote books and made many trips.
After some writings on the waste of the enormous wealth of the Church, David lost the consent of the Church itself and was excommunicated, after having proclaimed himself Christ Duce and Judge. Lazzaretti, due to his solidarity visions, was frowned upon by both the State and the Church and, unfortunately, was killed by a rifle shot during a procession from mount Labbro to Arcidosso in 1878.
There has been a re-evaluation of the “prophet”, especially for his innovative visions on improving the human conditions of the mountain community, and various events have also been created in this regard. The most famous is certainly that of Simone Cristicchi, who praised the “pièce” throughout Italy. The work is called “The second son of God”.
An aura of prophecy and mystery therefore hides in the isolated jurisdictionavidic tower. Following the road that will lead adventurers to the top of Monte Labro, it will be like a succession of emotions, breathtaking views, moments of learning, effort and joy. But above all, once you reach the cross at the top of the summit, there will be a fusion between earth, air and sea, and your gaze will turn, astonished, towards infinity.
