Communes: Chianciano Terme and Sarteano.Calcareous rocks and an
unusually low beech-wood characterise this reserve which was probably a
sacred place in remote times, as borne out by the beeches themselves
which, as a symbol of majesty and solemnity, it was forbidden to fell. Area: 341 Hectares
BOSCO DI SANT’AGNESE - Castellina in Chianti
On the small Sant’Agnese Wood Reserve, consisting chiefly of cypresses
alternated with cultivated land, you will also find the Parish Church of
Sant’Agnese, a fortified construction which in the 11th century belonged
to the Sienese but was subsequently passed over to their Florentine
rivals. Area: 271 Hectares
ALTO MERSE (SISTEMA DELLE RISERVE DEL FARMA MERSE) - Chiusdino
Communes: Chiusdino, Monticiano and Sovicille.This zone, evocative for
the continuity and extent of its woodlands, also includes ancient
villages such as Brenna, Orgia, Torri, Stigliano, Spannocchia and
Pentolina, as well as the mediaeval fortifications of Montarrenti,
Frosini and Castiglion che dio sol sa (Castle that only god knows).Area:
2000 Hectares
LA PIETRA (SISTEMA DELLE RISERVE DEL FARMA MERSE) - Chiusdino
Communes: Chiusdino and Roccastrada (GR).Almost totally woodland with
very few inhabited areas, the Reserve lies between the Farma and
Farmulla torrents. Its name refers to the rocky spur on the Grosseto
side which separates the two waterways.Area: 530 Hectares
LAGO DI MONTEPULCIANO - Montepulciano
With the lake of Chiusi, the lake of Montepulciano is all that remains
of the vast marshland that occupied much of Val di Chiana up to the age
of the Medici. The long works of reclamation had begun with the
Etruscans.Area: 470 Hectares
FARMA (SISTEMA DELLE RISERVE DEL FARMA MERSE) - Monticiano
Communes: Monticiano and Roccastrada (GR).With its extraordinary
vegetation and rare animal species the Reserve can boast naturalistic
aspects that are unique in the Province of Siena and among the most
interesting in Italy.Area: 1561 Hectares
BASSO MERSE (SISTEMA DELLE RISERVE DEL FARMA MERSE) - Murlo
Communes: Murlo, Monticiano and Civitella Paganico (GR).The extremely
gentle landscape features an alternation of hillocks and broad stretches
of flatland. The historical-cultural importance of the zone dates to the
12th century when Murlo Castle itself was the seat of the fief of the
Archbishop of Siena. Area: 1743 Hectares
PIGELLETO - Piancastagnaio
The Pigelleto Reserve includes protected plant species such as the
silver fir (known as pigello in local parlance) documented in certain of
Titus Livius’ writings. During the 12th – 14th centuries, silver fir was
used in building the Duomo of Orvieto and the Basilica di San Giovanni
in Laretano in Rome.Area: 862 Hectares
LUCCIOLA BELLA - Pienza
Communes: Castiglion d’Orcia, Pienza and Radicofani.The Reserve includes
the most characteristic stretches of this zone. From the abandoned
smallholding for which the reserve is named there is in fact a splendid
view over Val D’Orcia: a 360° panorama of barren clay countryside,
erosion furrows and ancient villages, as far as Mounts Cetona and
Amiata.Area: 1148 Hectares
CORNATE E FOSINI - Radicondoli
Communes: Radicondoli and Montieri (GR).Rich in meadows, garrigues and
rocky cliff faces (a true paradise for several rare birds of prey
species that nest here) the reserve also includes Fosini Castle which
belonged in the 12th century to the bishop of Volterra and in the 14th
passed on to the Pannocchieschi family, owners of the nearby Elci
Castle.
CASTELVECCHIO - San Gimignano
The Reserve protects heterogeneous plant species and also includes the
evocative ruins of Castelvecchio Castle, an important mediaeval fortress
which was probably built in the Longobard period. Area: 734 Hectares
