Civitella paganico Civitella Marittima
This is the main town in the scattered municipality of Civitella Paganico and is situated on the road linking Grosseto and Siena. It was first an Etruscan settlement and then a possession of the Ardengheschi, with whom it assumed its present-day appearance. It then passed under Sienese rule until it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
WHAT TO SEE IN CIVITELLA MARITTIMA
- Visit the old part of the town, access through the Porta degli Uomini (Men's Gate). The gate was so called because it has always been the meeting place of local men.
- Church of Santa Maria in Montibus
This is the parish church of the hamlet; although its appearance was changed in the 19th-century, the external bell tower dates back to the 17th century. The interior houses a repainted 16th-century panel showing the Saints Ansanus, Fabian and Sebastian. - Piccina Gate
This is the only gate still partially preserved among those that once gave access to the village; it can be found along the walls of Civitella Marittima, medieval fortifications that were built on the remains of the pre-existing Etruscan walls. - Holy Stairs
The stairs are a splendid example of civil architecture; according to legend, they were the site of the apparition of the town's patron saints, who saved the inhabitants from a terrible plague epidemic. - Via Cesare Battisti, where you can see the remains of the walls formed by huge dry stone boulders, typical of Etruscan architecture in the area.
- Oratory of the Misericordia
This is a sacred building, formerly known as the Oratory of Saints Philip and James; the bell gable tower dates back to the 16th century, while the interior was changed in the 17th or early 18th century. The image on canvas of the Madonna and Child crowned by Angels is venerated by the faithful. - Abbey of San Lorenzo al Lanzo
Also known as Badia Ardenghesca, it is located in the valley below Civitella Marittima, near the Lanzo stream. All that remains of the church is the ancient Romanesque façade, partly reminiscent of the abbey of Sant'Antimo in Montalcino.
