Fattoria Belvedere is geographically situated south of Pisa, in the northern Maremma Tuscany, also called because of its rich mineral resources, Colline Metallifere (metalliferous hills). In the whole area is extracted the precious alabaster stone, which has a flourishing market in the near town of Volterra. Because of the mild climate also during the winter, this is the ideal place to pass your holiday all year round. Even if it is possible to reach the most important places of art and culture within a short time, you are far away from the hectic everyday life. During the summer time the marvellous Costa degli Etruschi, being only a few minutes away by car, invites for swimming in the limpid sea water. In the winter you should enjoy long relaxing walks along the desert beach.

Distances in kilometres from the most important towns of art and culture:
Florence 110 km
Siena 62 km
Lucca 65 km
Pisa 60 km
Massa Marittima 60 km
San Gimignano 40 km
Island of Elba 75 km

We suggest you to visit places in the surroundings of Fattoria Belvedere like:

Volterra
Distance: 20 km
The town of Volterra is rich in art. There you will find 3 museums:
- Museo Etrusco Guarnacci
- Pinacoteca
- Museo d'arte Sacra
Volterra, a real jewel of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance art, dominates a hill of 550 m above sea level, over the river Cecina until reaching the sea. Volterra is famous all over the world for the alabaster handicraft. It is a unique town, where one can still discover many things. During the summer months there are organized many cultural events.

Pomarance
On the road that leads to Massa Marittima, immersed in a landscape of green hills, we meet Pomarance. In the centre it is worth visiting the parish church embellished with decorations of Roncalli and the Piazza Pretura, all framed by the beautiful 19th century buildings. The whole area around is characterized by the exploitation of the endogenous vapour.

Montecatini Val di Cecina
Is situated on a hillock with a marvellous view over the Val di Cecina. The town is dominated by an imposing tower of the antique noble family Belforti. Montecatini Val di Cecina has a typical medieval centre with characteristic buildings like the Palazzo Pretorio, with its elegant portico entrance or the 13th century church S. Biagio.

Around Montecatini Val di Cecina are rising characteristic medieval villages of rare beauty, set in an enchanting natural context:

Castello di Querceto
A medieval village, surrounded by the Mediterranean scrub-land (Macchia Mediterranea), built around the parish S. Giovanni Battista, a typical example of Roman arts of the 11th century.

La Sassa
Suggestive medieval village, set on a spur of watching east of the Valle della Sterza. La Sassa was mentioned for the first time in a document dating back to the year 1008. It is worth visiting the tower, whose construction goes back to 1100, which at that time was the most impressive part of the antique fortress.

Finally there are the settlements of Casaglia, Gello, Buriano, Miemo and the antique copper mines at Montecatini Val di Cecina which are very interesting.

In case that you already know many places in Tuscany or that you are a lover of sculptures or interested in tarot, we suggest you the marvellous "Giardino dei Tarrocchi" (Tarot Garden) situated near Capalbio, outside Garavicchio (southern Maremma), just more than one hour by car from Fattoria Belvedere. The famous French artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930 - May 2002) has realized in this place, together with her partner Jean Tinguely, her dream that was born in Barcelona within the park of the famous architect Gaudi. So, in 1979, after more than 20 years of artistic experience, she started at own cost the adventure of 15 years of work of which we can become witness today. In the park there are 22 tarot cards of about 12-15 metres height, covered with mosaics made of mirror pieces, glass and ceramics. The park is framed by the enchanting nature of the southern Maremma. Further information such as visiting hours you will find at our reception.