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Roccatederighi
Photo © Rossano Campinoti
Photo © Rossano Campinoti

Roccatederighi

A village perched on a scenic spur of Sassoforte in upper Maremma

Roccatederighi stands on a spur of mount Sassoforte in the municipality of Roccastrada, where you can enjoy a wide and splendid view of northern Maremma. Since the 10th century it has belonged to the Aldobrandeschi estate, while in the early 13th century it was ruled by the local lordship of the Tederigi or Tederigoli dei Guachi, from which the town's name derives. Toward the end of the century it became part of the possessions of the Republic of Siena, following its fortunes until it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in the mid-16th century.

Although the military campaign of 1553 by the armies of the Marquis of Maragliano destroyed it almost completely, the village still retains its medieval charm intact, in addition to the striking arched gateway at the entrance and some tower houses. But the uniqueness of this village lies in the close connection it has with the rock on which it rests, the trachyte, a volcanic rock that has been exploited to build houses and other buildings, carve out alleys and squares, and of which boulders and outcrops can be seen in different parts of the center.

In the upper part are the characteristic rhyolite "Boulders," which tower above the town and from which there is an extraordinary view that takes our eyes as far as the sea and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. In this part there are also the remains of the ancient fortress and some sections of the original walls, dating back to the 14th century. Next to it soars the tower, rebuilt in 1910 with a large clock that marks the time in this corner of Tuscany.

Suspended on a spur of rock a little further down is the Church of San Martino Vescovo, which preserves a delightful painted tablet dating from the early 17th century depicting baby Jesus and the Madonna with St. Augustine supporting the castle of Roccatederighi. Finally, in Piazza Garibaldi worthy of attention is the Church of San Sebastiano.       

Every 14 August the Palio dei Ciuchi is held, a heartfelt folklore event where Roccastrada's five districts (Corso, Ventosa, Torre, Tramonto and Nobili) compete for a banner painted by local artists.

Also organized during the same month is "Medioevo nel Borgo", a charming medieval festival known throughout Tuscany with jugglers, musicians, acrobats and stands with handicraft products, for a leap into the past.

Northern Maremma

Northern Maremma
Crystal-clear sea, nature reserves and resources pulled from the bowels of the earth
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