A Delightful Day in Civitella Marittima: Exploring History, Charm, and Local Flavors

Hello, dearest friends,

This weekend was truly fantastic because, after a long time, I finally managed to visit a dear friend of mine who lives in the province of Grosseto. My joy was amplified by the fact that I returned to a beautiful village that I loved from the start: Civitella Marittima, where my dear friend has her home.

This is one of the places I’m seriously considering moving to when I retire. I particularly love it because it’s perched on a hill that not only dominates the surrounding countryside but also offers a stunning view of Mount Amiata. As I’ve mentioned before, I have a soft spot for villages like this, with medieval origins and rich ancient history.

I was lucky enough to visit on a gorgeous sunny day, which made the village even more radiant and delightful to explore.
Since I had to wait for my friend to arrive due to her work commitments, I took a classic walk through the streets of this charming place. I was truly impressed by how clean and well-maintained the village was—not a single leaf on the ground.
As I continued my stroll, I noticed several historic buildings and quaint old establishments, including what might have been an inn for travelers in the past but now appears to be a private home.

Eventually, I reached the main square, where the church—arguably the most sacred building in the village—stands. Dating back to the 12th century, the church was impressive, but so was the square itself, with a striking fountain at its center, undoubtedly its centerpiece.

Walking further, I stumbled upon an old grocery store, still operating to serve the local community. At its entrance sat a beautiful cat, eagerly seeking affection from passersby—or perhaps just hoping for a treat.

I then entered the church, which, fortunately, was open. I was struck by its beautiful chandeliers—unlike any I had seen in other churches. The church is quite simple in design, and it was clear that it had been recently restored.

Continuing my exploration, I encountered more cats basking in the sunlight, and I got slightly lost in the labyrinth of streets, which is easy to do if you’re not familiar with the area.

After all this walking, I finally arrived at my friend’s house. She had just returned from work, and I got to sample some local delicacies. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to take pictures—not because I forgot, but because I devoured them almost immediately!

I hope you found the photos I shared interesting, and I sincerely hope you all get the chance to visit these places someday. Have a wonderful day, everyone!