Abbadia San Salvatore

THE TOWN OF TORCHLIGHT

Abbadia San Salvatore stands on the slopes of Monte Amiata and its location overlooking the Valley of the Paglia.

The ancient city now is only a small part of the town, which over time grew, especially after the opening of the mercury mine in 1895. Near the village lies the Abbazia di San Salvatore founded in 743, hence the name of the country. The building remains today only the Church and the crypt of a Greek cross. After the annexation to the Republic of Siena and then to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Siena was long isolated and unchanged supporting timber exploitation, herding and farming.

A change occurred when at the beginning of the 20th century began the exploitation of mines; the extraction of mercury mining and industrial center turned into a rich Abbey. After the closure of the mines, which occurred in the years ' 70, the extractive manufacturing plant was used to create the Parco Museo Minerario di Abbadia San Salvatore..

 

Traditions

Boasts a millenary tradition the dramatic event of Fiaccole, lit at night on Christmas Eve. Large piles of wood placed along the streets warm and illuminate the environment along with Christmas carols and tasting of typical products.

 

Typical products

Typical sweet of Abbadia San Salvatore is the ricciolina, traditional cake of Monte Amiata, consisting of a pastry with a soft heart of chocolate and nuts, crumbled.

 

 

Photo Credits [wikimedia.org]