Montemerano is a tiny village between Manciano and Saturnia. It is considered to be one of Italy’s most beautiful villages (Borghi Più Belli d’Italia).
In the XIII century, the Aldobrandeschi Family started building the characteristic medieval hamlet on a hilltop. In the following centuries, Orvieto, the Republic of Siena and the Granducato di Toscana took turns in ruling Montemerano, which became a majestic fortress during the XV Century.
What to see in Montemerano
The Church of San Giorgio dates back to the 14th century, when it was built by the Baschi Family. It features some lovely frescos and artistic works of art, such as Madonna in trono col Bambino e santi by Sano di Pietro, and the curious Madonna della Gattaiola by Maestro di Montemerano, a painting with a circular hole at its base. Why? According to a local story, a priest had cut the hole as a cat flap, to allow cats to enter the Church.
Dating back to the 12th century, Pieve di San Lorenzo is the oldest building in town and features a beautiful tower. Once a church, it now hosts cultural activities.
The grand Walls of Montemerano are ancient fortifications that surround the village since the 13th century. The walls have three gates: Porta di San Giorgio, Porta Romana and Porta Grossetana.
A stroll in the tiny village will bewitch you: charming Piazza del Castello, the medieval layout, the stone houses… Montemerano feels just like a fairytale village in Maremma Tuscany!
Photo credit: main image above from minorsights.com – For more info read “Montemerano: the undiscovered Tuscany” on minorsights.com
MaremmaBlog 
Lovely. We were there last year. See
https://longoio2.wordpress.com/2014/08/30/volcanic-baths-in-saturnia/
That’s lovely, thanks for sharing Francis!