Sassetta | Unspoiled Picturesque Borgo in Western Tuscany

Sassetta is an unspoiled, picturesque borgo which transmits at first sight all the charm of an of Western Tuscany situated in a scenic, hilly corner of the province of Livorno not far from the azure waters of the splendid Costa degli Etruschi a scenic coastal section of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

That town is perched on a hilly plateau in the heart of the Val di Cornia, a beautiful valley famous for its fine wines among them the iconic DOC Suvereto in a stupendous land  connects the Maremma Livornese to the Maremma Grossetana two big plains extremely charming with scattered small centres enclosed between low, undulated hills and the Mediterranean extending until the the borders of Northern Lazio.

That fantastic geographic point of the northern central territory of the Italian peninsula is also highlighted by the fascinating presence of the Colline Metallifere , the hills of the metals which name derives for the extraction of minerals, a range of the Tuscan Antiappennine which played an important role in the local economy since the times of the old Etruria.

The genuine and unspoiled beauty of Sassetta with its picturesque profile is highlighted by its captivating Borgo a quarter representing the historical heart formed by many buildings erected in the Middle Ages and other constructions elevated later in Renaissance style.

The most relevant entrance to discover the beauty of Sassetta is by Via di Castagneto a picturesque road linking Sassetta to the town of Castagneto Carducci which is just 7,0 kilometres away and dominating the Val Di Cornia valley.

The centre is mainly arranged around its Municipio, the Town Hall and its iconic borough Borgo Antico the old part of the municipality.

The Borgo Antico of Sassetta is a splendid blend between buildings in pure Renaissance style and others linked to the late Middle Ages. ew artists continued in the post medieval era to develop other constructions preserving the previous masters left with extreme respect including restoring some of them without mutations and a detail pretty relevant the absence of Baroque structures or other kinds of styles which entered in vogue in the following periods.

That enchanting atmosphere of the traditional and fascinating Tuscany is more alive than ever in Sassetta, totally visible walking across a captivating series of narrow streets, picturesque alleys, splendid walled sections and charming buildings.

You can start the visit from Palazzo Ramirez Montalvo an imposing palace erected in the 16th century replacing for the changes made by the architect Ammannati the former construction called Castello Orlandi which according to historic documentations was a Pisan fortified building totally destroyed by the troops of Florence.  

The structure shows a ample light facade and a huge stoned arched framed  doorway and on both sides were placed series of rectangular windows arranged on three levels just like in several Florentine buildings during the great development of the first Renaissance projects linked to the most refined works of the golden ages of Florence.

At the entrance of the palace in correspondence of the main doorway you will notice the presence of a   Coat of Arms of the former rulers and splendid, curved windows in traditional  Florentine style.

The palace despite  was restored in some occasions is today very well preserved and what you will notice is the perfect symmetry of all  the most distinctive architectural canons of the Renaissance school highlighted by strong walls and a large gate very similar to several buildings you can admire today in Florence in the access of the courtyards of palaces in the districts of Santa Croce or Santa Maria Novella.  

Historically that construction related to the residence of an Iberian owner who became governor of the town became the local symbol of that town also for the several visits of Cosimo de'  Medici lord of Florence who gave several privileges permitting the local traders and farmers.

Behind the palace you can admire the Chiesa di Sant´Andrea which lies in a small square, the construction of the church is the result of a work ended in the 17th century and developed over the rests of a previous medieval construction elevated during Pisan rule.

Developed on a rectangular plan it presents an ample gable facade with splendid marked lines highlighted by a fine oculus in the middle of the front side and a rectangular large doorway surmounted by a curved lunette.

On the left side at the corner of a narrow street was erected a magnificent bell tower which is a beautiful example of Tuscan architecture elevated on a square plan despite the material used for its construction is different of that used for the church.

 In the interior you can admire some relevant paintings from different periods dated 15th, 16th and 17th century by Florentine school.

Linked to that you can admire a work by a Florentine artist called Giovanni Battista Soldini who depicted the Stigmata of St. Francis very similar to that one made by the famed  Ludovico Cigoli nowadays visible in the Galleria degli Uffizi museum of Florence.

Another masterpiece of clear Florence's school is a painting of the 17th century with protagonists the Virgin Mary with Jesus Child next to the Saints Anthony the Abbot and Jerome despite the author is unknown.  A relevant detail is that the Church conserves the relics of a Saint probably a martyr killed during the Roman persecution of the Christians called Santa Lorica.

In addition you will appreciate a splendid work dated the 15th century consisting in a baptismal font which still has the Coat of Arms of  Orlandi family, the former Pisan governors of Sassetta.

An object of notable relevance preserved in that church is a splendid crystal rock cross which was a donation to the Church by the family Ramirez Montalvo and the altar is a further highlight developed beneath a fine niche and a refined ample arcade.

You can also visit a small museum displaying different items and objects related to sacred art of relevant value.

The entrance and exit of the Borgo Antico consists in a strong stoned walled hallway with a splendid arcade and from that point starts a series of narrow streets and alleys ,tiny squares and some scenic tunnels.

Originally the entrance of that Tuscan centre was fortified and protected by strong walls with a passage leading to the main gate flanked by other lower walls forming  the perimeter of the defencive walls around the medieval core and some sections are still visible today in some corners of the municipality.

 Very interesting is also a different kind of tourism enjoying also the beauty of marvellous natural corners of Sassetta and a visit to the Parco Forestale di Poggio Neri  a wonderful protected nature park in the outskirts of the town is a must.

The nearest airport is the International Airport of Pisa Galileo Galilei situated at just 87,0 kilometres north of the town. Definitely a great option because you will need less than one hour driving via Cecina to reach Sassetta.

The visit or a stay in that captivating town will be a sort of great introduction to discover the most fascinating remote Tuscany which boast several historic and artistic treasures all to discover.

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Where to Stay | Recommended Accomodation

Farm Campo di Carlo

LA Cerreta Terme