FTEM #5: Semproniano

Rocchette di Fazio is a hamlet close to Semproniano, which is be the main village in the surroundings of Rocchette di Fazio, and which will be the destination of the hike on Sunday June 15, during the first Maremme Cross-Border Hiking Festival.

Photo Credits: Lucia Azzaro

The first historical trace of Semproniano’s existence dates back to before the year 1000AD, when it was mentioned as “Casale Simpronianu” in a document by the powerful San Salvatore abbey, although it was founded in Roman times by representatives of the Sempronio Gracco family. Its castle, strategically located between Mount Amiata, Saturnia, and the sea had a fundamental role in the passage from the Etruscan to the Roman culture, following the fall of the not-too-distant Vulci.

We are in the inner and wilder part of the hills between the rivers Albegna and Fiora, which in this area are at a higher elevation, as they flow from the feet of the former volcano which now became Mount Amiata.

Semproniano until 1963 was administratively part of the Roccalbegna territory. Today it has around one thousand inhabitants. Thanks to the activity of some local associations, including La Piazzoletta, supporting the festival, and the local administration, the village is one of the key actors in the effort to create a network of trails remaining accessible all year long for hikers in Maremma.

For more information on the festival:

The festival comes from an idea by Irene Pellegrini –travel and migration sociologist, hiking guide, and writer- who also acts as the festival director. The event is supported by municipality of Semproniano, the social promotion association La Piazzoletta, Sentieri Liberi – Murci and by the pibinko.org network.