Castel del Piano

Castel del Piano is a village in the province of Grosseto, in Tuscany, set on the slopes of Monte Amiata. Its historic centre, with medieval lanes and stone houses, retains the typical character of hill towns in the region. The village is known for its Palio delle Contrade, a traditional horse race held every August that brings together the local districts in a long-standing community event. The surrounding countryside, covered in chestnut woods and criss-crossed by walking trails, is popular for mushroom foraging, particularly porcini, which feature prominently in local cooking. In winter, the nearby ski slopes of Monte Amiata, around Prato delle Macinaie, draw visitors for winter sports. The area also produces wine and chestnut-based products valued throughout the region. Castel del Piano therefore makes a good base for exploring both the rural Tuscan heritage and the Amiata mountain, as well as the neighbouring villages of southern Tuscany, all within a quiet and genuine setting.