Roccastrada is a municipality in northern Maremma that stretches between the plains of Maremma Grossetana and the Colline Metallifere (Metalliferous Hills). Of medieval origin, Roccastrada began as a possession of the Aldobrandeschi family. After a series of battles, the area was conquered during the 14ᵗʰ century by the Sienese, who began to exploit the copper and silver mines in the area. Thanks to the beauty of the surrounding nature and the importance of the local mines, Roccastrada has long been a place to discover and learn about. Here are 5 things not to be missed!
Contents
1.
Castello di Montemassi
2.
Torrente Farma Nature Reserve
3.
Church of San Martino Vescovo in Roccatederighi
4.
Mining Park of Roccastrada Ribolla
5.
Teatro dei Concordi
1.
Castello di Montemassi
Castello di Montemassi
Castello di Montemassi is one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture to be found in the northern Maremma. This fortress, which guards over the village of Montemassi, consists of the keep that still retains its original doors and windows. Then to the south is the rectangular-plan tower, which has two large rooms topped by groined vaults. In the 11ᵗʰ century, the castle belonged to the powerful Aldobrandeschi family, rending this a very important stop along the salt trade routes.
1.
Torrente Farma Nature Reserve
Torrente Farma Nature Reserve
Established in 1996, the Torrente Farma Nature Reserve represents one of the most important green oases in the area. The Reserve extends across the municipalities of Roccastrada and Monticiano, along the border between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto. The area is characterized by beech, maple, birch and yew forests on the valley floor, while much of the north-facing slopes are greened by chestnut and cork trees. The Reserve is also home to many animal species such as the marten, skunk, wild cat and two types of bat.
1.
Church of San Martino Vescovo in Roccatederighi
Church of San Martino Vescovo in Roccatederighi
The Church of San Martino Vescovo in Roccatederighi dates back to the 10ᵗʰ century. It was completely restored in 1489 then again in the late 18ᵗʰ century, when two side sections were added at the presbytery and facade. Within, the church houses a single nave bearing a 15ᵗʰ-century carved marble font and a painted wooden panel depicting the Madonna and Child and Saint Augustine supporting the Castello di Roccatederighi.
Designed and built in the late 19ᵗʰ century by Timoleone Crocchi, who took inspiration from the Teatro della Pergola in Florence, the Teatro dei Concordi survived two world wars unscathed and a cyclone in 1925 that merely destroyed its roof. This theater immediately became a landmark for the town of Roccastrada, hosting very important artists and staging first-rate plays. After World War II, the theater was converted into a movie theater then later a dance hall. It closed in the 1970s until 1985, when the building was entirely renovated and reopened with Luigi Pirandello’s “Pensaci Giacomino.”
