Monte Amiata

Monte Amiata

The Monte Amiata is a mountain in the Tuscan Antiapennines, in the provinces of Grosseto and Siena, Tuscany, central Italy. The highest peak is at 1,738 metres (5,702 ft) above sea level.

The Amiata is an ancient, inactive volcano, characterized by volcanic rocks and small lakes. Waters from the mountain feed the Fiora aqueduct, which serves much of southern Tuscany and part of northern Lazio; in the Amiata are also the springs of Fiora and Albegna rivers, the latter on Mount Buceto, which constitutes the south-westernmost spur of the massif.

The main economical resources of the Amiata region are chestnuts, wood and, increasingly, tourism (ski resorts include the peak area, Prato delle Macinaie, Prato della Contessa, Rifugio Cantore and Pian della Marsiliana). The lower areas are characterized by olive trees and vines. Other vegetation include beech and fir. In ancient times cinnabar was extracted here.

The Amiata is included in the comuni of Abbadia San Salvatore, Arcidosso, Castel del Piano, Piancastagnaio, Santa Fiora and Seggiano, all located between 600 and 800 metres of altitude.