At the heart of Semproniano is an austere tranquility. With little more than 200 people calling this small Maremman town home, Semproniano dedicates itself completely to the preservation of its rich history and tradition.

It’s hard to choose what Semproniano’s most endearing feature is.

There’s its serene countryside, caught between the Albegna and Fiora Rivers in a valley that is green even in the middle of winter.

Or there are its rickety stone houses, squeezed in between humble churches and grand palazzi that have, over the centuries, been infused with an intense character.

Or there’s its fortress, the Rocca Aldobrandesca, which despite being little more than a ruin, continues to shadow the town with its grace and imposing presence.

Of course, Semproniano isn’t a memorial to the past devoid of any modern life (whatever my rather poetic descriptions will have you believe). It’s also home to a small community of locals who are attractions all in themselves.

Incredibly welcoming and fiercely self-sufficient – a trait that stems from their brief autonomy following WWI – Semproniano’s residents are beyond courteous. If your Italian is any good then take the time to have a chat with the shop keepers or the tabaccheria owners. They’ll guide you to the best restaurants in the area, the ones where they go to eat and there’s not a tourist menu in sight.

EVENTS

Festa della Panzanella

August

Panzanella is a bread salad made with sliced bread, tomatoes, basil, olive oil and vinegar. It’s a Tuscan delicacy, and no one makes it better than Semproniano’s locals.