Travel To Montieri

In addition, the numerous tunnels and shafts found on Poggio di Monieri dating from the Etruscans and the Romans, show
the enormous importance mining has had for the development of the area throughout time. All of nature seems to have participated in the venture: the silver of the rocks alternates with the red of the quarries and sheer cliffs to lend the air of a lunar vision to the
landscape. But the tranquil locality is also surrounded by green mountains covered by Chestnut, Beech and Oak trees. These mountains constitute the heart of the Riserva Naturale Cornate e Fosini, always a popular destination for itinerant tourism and a perfect base for numerous excursions. The village of Montieri stands out amid the strong colours of its natural setting. The three towers belonging to the original protective walls of the castle are still visible. Strolling through the narrow streets, the most striking sights are the typical tower-houses from the 13th century, the two monumental fountains, the Fontana di Sopra (the Upper Fountain) and the Fontana di Sotto (the Lower Fountain) from 1236 and the Keep overlooking the picturesque medieval centre. The surrounding area is fascinating. The town of Boccheggiano maintained its mining traditions for the greatest length of time and is adorned by the Roste, imposing mounds of red coloured slag. Another two villages, Travale and Gerfalco, are important for their medieval urban structures which have remained almost intact. Travale is also known because of the famous "Carta". This document from 1158 is considered one of the oldest examples of the use of the vulgar tongue. It was followed, in 1219, by another document, the "Breve di Montieri" that signalled the enormous historical-linguistic value of that moment, being the only example of its kind to have been written entirely in the vernacular.