A VILLAGE - PLANNED UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN :) by AAGE MYHRE, ARCHITECT

A planned village in Tuscany

Singer Pete Seeger (1919-2014):

“I want to turn the clock back to when people lived in small villages and took care of each other.”

OSLO – NORWAY EMAIL: aage.myhre@gmail.com TELEPHONE: +47 90 22 00 27

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A village is the most natural form of living for the human being At all times and in all cultures there have been villages. This form of housing provides opportunities for multitasking, food production, nutrient recycling, security in a larger social group, proximity, but also diversity. Various lines of research suggest that social life is a key factor when it comes to happiness. The brain hands out plenty of reward for positive relationships, including the pleasures associated with love and friendship. Admittedly, it also punishes you when things do not work out – for example by inducing feelings of insecurity, jealousy, and guilt – but with a proper social network, the account should end up on the positive side. This is the main rational for the village idea. The point is illustrated by a research project on intentional communities in North America. The project concluded that those living in these villages were, on average, among the happiest people in the world. Two factors seemed to explain the positive feelings: close social ties and a meaningful life. - Dr. Bjørn Grinde, biologist, senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health

A good village has soul and identity. This can rarely be said about today's new residential areas and districts. We seem to have forgotten our inherited traditions.

We have a lot to learn from the old Italian villages! You will find good, attractive old villages over most of Europe, not least in Italy. These small towns are most often characterized by a high church tower located in the middle of the village, at a square where people gather for a good social life and community - outdoors, in small cafes and shops. Wise, new villages should learn and be developed like the many beautiful villages found on the Mediterranean shores.

A main difference between normal planning (left) and village planning. • A village must be so infinitely more than just being a collection of buildings. • A village must have order; streets, squares, and an urban structure - something completely different than in a more normal residential or cottage area. • A village must be characterized by dynamic social life, joy and activity. • A village must have a clear soul and identity.

ABOUT VILLAGES For 47 years now, I have been an ardent advocate for villages and old towns in Norway, Europe and to some extent elsewhere on our planet. Simply because I believe that the village model should come 'into fashion' again as our preferred way of living - for the benefit of the genuinely good social community; for warmth, common care, joy, learning, culture, activities, improved mental and physical health sustainable, close to real, fresh nature, and far from self-sufficient in chemical-free food, green energy, etc. Done correctly, the village model can become a healthy, wise international brand, for construction and development in many countries. I work closely with a small team that is in full swing to develop village models in different varieties. We aim to be involved as investors, planners and advisers in a number of village projects around the globe, and we will take the initiative for new villages ourselves. The village concept will be developed by wise people - with a great number of skills and qualities - and we therefore want cooperation with advisers from various disciplines; landowners, investors, financial experts / economists, real estate developers, community planners, concept developers, architects, engineers, designers, contractors, house builders, farmers, gardeners, producers and professionals in food and drink, etc. - as well as professionals and lay people in research / development, politics, various organizations, environment, air, forest, greenery, plants / herbs, water, animal husbandry, conservation, recycling, IT, energy, media, marketing, physical and mental health, tourism, hotel, café, shop, other forms of business, crafts , music, and many other varied, exciting art and cultural forms. Let us also not forget that everything we do must be seen in a historical, spiritual and holistic perspective. Everything is connected to everything! The above may sound complicated, but our daily life is actually so complex, and in that sense our villages and old towns are not very different. We will not reinvent the powder, just organize it in a more humane way. I look forward to further dialogue and teamwork. Together, maybe we can contribute to a slightly better world? Kind Regards Aage Myhre ARCHITECT

Some principles I think should be used as a basis for good village planning I think we can use some 'romantic' terms to describe the ideal village. Because village life should be a life characterized by inner peace, simplicity and a feeling of happiness. Noise, hustle, bustle and pollution that one is used to in the cities should be absent here. Here you live close to nature. The villagers will experience the beauty of the bright sun, the beautiful moon and the twinkling stars to a greater degree than the townspeople. Here the birds, animals, fields and gardens with fruit and vegetables must be clearly present. Children can play freely, swim in rivers and ponds, climb trees and so much more. The villagers will, to a greater extent than most people, follow nature's own rhythms, get up in the morning to birdsong and nature's own freshness. In a village, the air is fresh and free of pollution, with good health as a result. You can grow fresh vegetables yourself in a free environment.

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My vision of a good village is an almost self-sufficient small community that contains both urban and more rural elements. I believe that the village concept can be used both for smaller hamlets down to a few hundred people and for small towns up to around 20,000 inhabitants. I believe a village of some size should offer jobs, schools, shops, cafes, cultural institutions, sports facilities, health institutions and homes of all kinds and sizes within reasonable distance of each other. Arrangements must be made for private life in / near one's own home, semi-private life in a neighbourhood, more public life in centre quarters with offices, shops, schools, etc. For villages of a certain size, I propose an urban, car-free small town formation (office park) with offices, restaurants, nightlife and apartments as the center of the village. An active, dynamic urban quarter for office communities, companies, institutions and stores - which to a large extent replaces similar building complexes and quarters in the larger cities in which one would otherwise There should be walking distance between all functions - with adapted paths for walk-and-talk - from home to office, school, kindergarten, shop and all kinds of activities. Going and chatting together is, in my opinion, a very underestimated act that in many ways can replace today's office and café environments, probably also have a good mental and health effect. The largest vehicles allowed inside the village should be small electric cars. Horses and other animals may well come more into their own again as draft animals and in other ways. Arrangements should nevertheless be made for access by ordinary cars from ring roads around the various quarters in the village (the soft cake principle). The village - not least all roads, paths and patios - must be adapted for people of all ages and life situations, adapted for good neighborhood and help as was often seen in older villages. A key element for any village should be that the social community helps and supports each other both physically and mentally. Increased sense of joy for individuals and groups should be a goal. The village must be green and environmentally friendly - self-sufficient in energy, efficient treatment of waste, etc. People must be able to grow their own vegetables, livestock must come more into their own in a natural way, and one must generally work to create a village which becomes a separate, self-sufficient organism for the benefit of individuals and nature itself. There should be easy access and a short distance to parks, green areas, forests, water / sea, hilly terrain and other natural elements. In a village, one can facilitate and develop uniquely good opportunities for improved physical and mental health! The village must be well equipped for sports, culture and activities of all kinds.

A planned village under the Tuscan sun – at the Etruscan Coast – with traditional Tuscan architecture

How about living or spending parts of the year in an international community on the azure waters of Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast? With long white sandy beaches next door and yet with a short distance to Rome and Tuscany's history, culture and vineyards? For some years I have travelled to many Mediterranean countries to look for a suitable area for building a village and to facilitate an inclusive social, cultural community with people from many nations. Research shows that villagers are among the happiest people in the world. My choice fell on Tuscany's exceptionally appealing azure coastal strip on the Mediterranean, and I am now in the process of planning for an international community and eventually an entire village at the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany, two hours north Rome, one hour from Florence, one hour from Pisa. This is a beautiful place to stay or just visit ... To enjoy life, to improve health, to enjoy culture, food and wine on a white sandy beach … Tuscany is the cradle of European culture, and with amazing landscapes defined by high mountains, undulating hills, endless vineyards and the azure, warm Mediterranean Sea.

The plan is to develop a truly unique, warm society for people from many countries …

A good place to live, permanently or for shorter time periods.

The finest sandy beaches in the Mediterranean, still short distance to fabulous Tuscan mountains.

There will be music, and you can yourself join in!

A place for good social conversations.

Close to the Mediterranean Sea …

A library will be a centre piece of our planned round-table department.

Huge outdoor areas in beautiful pine forests.

Yes, this is Tuscany!

Village life Bjørn Grinde, Senior scientist at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway Bjørn has a Dr.scient and Dr.philos in biology from the University of Oslo with additional exams in psychology and anthropology. He has worked as scientist and professor at leading universities in Norway, USA, and Japan. Presently, his main focus is to understand how evolution shaped the human brain, as he believes this insight can help us improve mental health and happiness. Social life is particularly important in this respect, which has led to an interest in alternative ways of organizing society. Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bj%C3%B8rn_Grinde and https://grinde.one/

By Professor, Dr. Bjørn Grinde A 'village' is a place where people come together. I would like to promote the idea of a more communal way of living because I believe it may improve quality of life. A village can help people thrive, but it requires a bit of planning and organizing. The village does not have to be physically separated from the outside world, a neighborhood that wish to create a sense of community suffice. Nor does it need to include everyone who lives in the area, active participation should be voluntary; fortunately, it is not that difficult to establish a setting where people want to participate. Some people may be more engaged than others, and engagement can vary over time, but the village concept can still enrich the life of those who participate. Various lines of research suggest that social life is a key factor when it comes to happiness. The brain hands out plenty of reward for positive relationships, including the pleasures associated with love and friendship. Admittedly, it also punishes you when things do not work out – for example by inducing feelings of insecurity, jealousy, and guilt – but with a proper social network, the account should end up on the positive side. This is the main rational for the village idea. The point is illustrated by a research project on intentional communities in North America. [1] The project concluded that those living in these villages were, on average, among the happiest people in the world. Only pregnant mothers in Norway scored equally high on the happiness scale, but here pleasure dropped quickly after giving birth. Two factors seemed to explain the positive feelings: close social ties and a meaningful life. In order to take advantage of the opportunities offered by community living, one should take into account the inherent nature of mankind. That is, we should try to understand the innate behavioral tendencies and urges that evolution has added to our brains, and how these can be molded for the benefit of social life. Present societies are somewhat like a 'human zoo'. [2] As is the case for animals living in a zoo, we have removed ourselves from the life we are adapted to live. The price comes in the form of the diseases of modernity, which includes the high prevalence of ailments spanning from asthma and allergies to anxiety and depression. [3] No one wants to go back to the Stone Age, but it is possible to improve our 'human zoo'. I believe that the concept of 'village life' may provide a suitable starting point, the following suggestions may help us get there: 1. Infrastructure. It is an advantage, but not necessary, to have buildings suitable for the purpose; for example, to have dwellings in reasonable distance from each other, and to set up communal space for meetings. 2. Social life. This is the crucial point. Social media, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, help people communicate. Besides sharing anything from thoughts to things one wants to give away or sell, they serve as a forum to organize events. Social media also provide an opportunity for engaging people and creating belonging. One should try to establish a 'yes'-culture; that is, a mindset where anything seems possible or at least worth a try. Most people like to contribute and to help each other.

3. Organization. It is necessary for someone to hold the reins, at the very least to have someone set up and moderate social media. A board of directors may serve a purpose, but it is important that decisions are made in a way that gives everyone the opportunity to participate – the inhabitants should be engaged in writing the rules they want to live by. Where there are people, there is always the possibility of conflicts; one needs a fast, fair, and inclusive way to fix problems. 4. Gatherings. The internet help connect people, but this is not the same as meeting eye to eye, and certainly not cheek to cheek. One should preferably arrange regular gatherings in the form of anything from communal meals and discussion forums to parties and voluntary work. 5. Meaning. The communities that do best in the long run have a common purpose, something that offers a sense of meaning or at least a reason to collaborate. In some places, it is a shared faith in God, others gather around an interest in a sustainable way of living. Joint projects, such as creating a kindergarten or starting an exercise group, may suffice. It is useful to have several options for making life meaningful. 6. Size. The starting point may be a big city, but if so the inhabitants should be divided into units of a reasonable size. We estimate that humans can retain relationships with some 100-200 individuals. [4] This provides a useful rule of thumb for the size of a village, but it should be taken into account that most people have contacts outside the village; and that perhaps only a proportion of those who live in the area wants to participate. A more suitable size for a unit may be 20-40 people – the size we assume was typical for a Stone Age tribe. 7. Nature. We humans are adapted to a life in nature; we survive in an asphalt jungle, but we are 'biophilic', in that we thrive better in living environments. [5] It is therefore preferable to be in an area that provides access to nature. Those who appreciate nature also tend to help save the Earth for future generations. 8. Culture. It would be great if one can create cultural experiences within the community – anything from choirs to street art. Besides enriching the life of the inhabitants, cultural projects can contribute to a sense of community. 9. Equality. Some villages are set up with a completely shared economy, but most people appreciate the benefits of having personal funds. The important point is that people feel they are on equal terms. Places that work well have a tradition of helping those in need.

The Biology of Happiness

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet these children seem to have no problem finding happiness – perhaps because they have each other.

[1]Grinde B, Nes RB, MacDonald IF, Wilson DS. Quality of life in intentional communities. Social Indicators Research 137 (2018) 625-640. [2]Grinde B. Improving the human zoo - Exploring alternative lifestyles around the world. The Darwin Press (2015). [3]Grinde B. Can the concept of discords help us find the causes of mental diseases? Medical Hypotheses 73 (2009) 106-109. [4]Dunbar RIM. The social brain hypothesis. Evolutionary Anthropology 6 (1998) 178-190. [5]Grinde B, Patil GG. Biophilia: does visual contact with nature impact on health and well-being? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 6 (2009) 2332-2343.

Why live in a village at the Coast of Tuscany?

A: THE SOCIAL LIFE

Tuscan village life is ideal for people of absolutely all ages and life situations. The way life should be …

B: ARCHITECTURE – URBAN PLANNING

Village architecture and urban planning in traditional Tuscan style – still modern and efficient

Buildings, streets, squares, parks etc of various styles & architecture – but always in compliance with the traditional Tuscan architecture and wisdom – always with human scale and in a holistic perspective

C: FOOD/BEVERAGES – COOKING, FARMING

Parcel farming, self-sufficiency, small-scale food production, cooking courses, wine production etc

D: CULTURE – MUSIC – ART

Village culture and activities of all kinds … The sounds of a village …

E: SHOPS – GALLERIES ETC

Small shops, galleries and artisan facilities of all kinds ...

F: DINING – CAFÉS/RESTAURANTS

Small bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants of all kinds ...

G: CLOSE TO NATURE

H: ENERGY – SUSTAINABILITY

Smart-village measures, energy production, sustainability and more

I: TUSCANY – FOLLONICA

Why Tuscany?

BECAUSE TUSCANY HAS IT ALL! Here you can swim, dive, hike, cycle, ski ... visit one of the countless vineyards … or seek out culture at all levels ...

Tuscany produces the world’s best wines – in all colours!

Tuscany – the cradle of European culture Tuscany is regarded by many as the leading ancient cultural centre of Europe. Located along the west coast of Central Italy, it is the location of pivotal cities such as Florence, Siena and Pisa that were at the forefront of Renaissance science, economy, art and medieval architecture. Much of this region’s undeniable history is still visible today; making a trip to Tuscany is therefore perfect for those looking for a taste of classic European culture. Unsurprisingly, many of the great figures from Italian history were either born in Tuscany or made their most notable work during their time here. Check out some of the brightest minds from Tuscany, many of whose creations can still be seen: - Dante Alighieri, one of the first great Italian poets and still one of the most recognizable names in classical literature across the globe. - Filippo Brunelleschi, considered the founding father of Renaissance architecture. - Leonardo da Vinci, is what academics regard as a polymath – a man whose imagination and intelligence is so boundless that they can be described as an expert in multiple fields – and one of the greatest individuals to have ever lived in our world. - Galileo Galilei, one of the most outstanding astronomers and scientists our world has seen. - Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, another genius, was a hugely renowned architect, sculptor and artist of the Renaissance period who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art. At the age of 74, he succeeded Antonio da Sangallo the Younger as the architect of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Why the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany?

BECAUSE TUSCANY’S ETRUSCAN COAST IS UNPARALLELED We all celebrate Tuscany for the Renaissance, stunning olive groves and typical rolling hills. But have you ever heard about the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany?

Tuscany is so much more than those iconic green landscapes. Once you see the sparkle of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the distance, behind the golden vineyards, you’ll understand why the Costa degli Etruschi is such a special corner of Europe.

The Etruscan Coast of Tuscany We all celebrate Tuscany for the Renaissance, stunning olive groves and typical rolling hills. But have you ever heard about the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany?

That’s right, Tuscany is so much more than those iconic green landscapes. Once you see the sparkle of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the distance, behind the golden vineyards, you’ll understand why the Costa degli Etruschi is such a special corner of Europe. Not convinced? Well, give me a chance to explain. These are the most important things you should know about the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany. The History Behind the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany Now, you must be wondering why the Tuscan coastline carries the name of the mysterious Etruscans in the first place. The Etruscans were an ancient civilization that lived in the central parts of Italy. The name ‘Tuscany’ is actually the modern-day version of the term ‘Tusci’ or ‘Etrusci’. We’re not quite sure why, but that’s what the Romans used to call them. Before the Etruscans slowly became part of the local Roman culture, they founded many cities, including Florence, Pisa, and Siena. Populonia was a Major Etruscan City Another one of those cities was Populonia. Now, it is only a tiny hilltop village that overlooks the Bay of Baratti. But back in the day, it was the only Etruscan village that was next to the sea. This strategic location meant that Populonia quickly became an important trading town. Since the nearby hills were full of copper, Populonia continued to grow. So much so, that the town had around 20 000 inhabitants in Roman times: a major city for that period of time!

The Archaeological Park of Populonia The old Populonia may have disappeared, but, today, there is an enormous archaeological park that covers over 80 hectares. The park is also home to the biggest necropolis in Italy. This is where thousands of Etruscans and Romans buried their loved ones. And still, the entire area is full of traces from the past. That includes pieces of ancient roof tiles, vases, dishes, and even human bones. And remember: all of these remains are at least 2500 years old. Etruscan Massa Marittima Massa Marittima is a hidden Tuscan jewel perched on a panoramic hill north of Grosseto, in Southern Tuscany. The historical town centre has Etruscan origins and many signs of the past are still recognizable in the perfectly preserved city walls, in the narrow streets and in important urban and architectural complexes. During the 13th century, when all the surrounding towns went under the rule of Pisa, Siena or Florence, Massa Marittima maintained its independence and the town experienced a golden age. The most beautuful buildings in town all date back to this period. Etruscan Follonica The origins of the Follonica area are ancient: it was already settled in Etruscan and Roman times. Evidence of this is the medieval castle dating to 884, known as Castello di Valli, which still overlooks the modern town from a nearby hill.

The Etruscan Coast wines are extraordinary The Etruscans gained a reputation as a peaceful, hard-working people. But they were also skilled at one specific thing: producing, trading, and drinking wine (vinum). Researches have recently shared a theory that even the first French winemarkers learned the trade from the Etruscans around 525 BC. Super Tuscans - the top wines of Tuscany To this day, the Etruscan Coast is a sensational area when it comes the the world of wine. The town of Bolgheri, also known for its famous avanue of cypress trees, is the epicenter of the Super Tuscans. These super wines are a category of DOC wines and several of them hold the world-wide status of being top-quality wines. Guado al Melo winery A wonderful place to get to know the Etruscan Coast as a wine region is the Guado al Melo winery. Here, you can see the vineyards up close and learn about the history of local viticulture (from Etruscan times to present-day). Of course, you can also book a wine tasting as the cherry on top. Did you know that letting grapevines grow on an arch like this makes grape harvesting much easier? The Unspoiled Beaches along the Etruscan Coast The most beautiful beaches on the Etruscan coastline stretch from Marina di Bibbona all the way to Follonica. While towns like Marina di Bibbona and Castiglioncello look out on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the shoreline near and along the Gulf of Baratti (very close to Populonia) is equally worth a visit. This area offers some of the most unspoiled sandy beaches in the region. Coastline Cycling Naturally, the Etruscan coast is just as perfect for a day at the beach. I’m thinking swimsuits, sandcastles, and sunscreen. Since the Etruscan coast is a lot less hilly than the interior areas of Tuscany, it’s a also great idea to rent a bicycle or e-bike. This way, you can cycle along the rugged coast, but also take a few breaks on the beaches. You can then continue your way to the Monte Massoncello Peninsula to visit the archaeological park of Populonia. The most magical Sunsets in Italy Finally, I think it is fair to say that the Etruscan Coast probably experiences the most magical sunsets in Italy. That alone is enough of a reason to visit the Etruscan Coast. Well, according to me at least (a trustworthy authority on sunset quality, I promise). The Etruscan Coast faces west, which creates the perfect setting for the most amazing scenes when the day turns to night. Every evening (as long as it’s not too cloudy), the orange sun sinks into the shimmering water. The sky shows all sorts of pink and purple tones, while the surrounding vineyards turn golden. What a way to end your day!!!

Why Follonica?

BECAUSE FOLLONICA IS A TOWN / SEA RESORT THAT RADIATES!

Photo from the beach in the centre of Follonica.

I really like it here in Follonica I like it here on the coast of Tuscany. I want to live here, at least part of the year, and here I / my group will offer houses and apartments for people who want a place to live and help build a warm, international community like in a good, old-fashioned village – a warm, social community with an international focus here on the Tuscan coast, a project we on a modest scale start this autumn by offering apartments and houses for those who are interested, later by developing a separate village.

The Gulf of Follonica inside the Elba island offers some of the whitest sandy beaches of the Mediterranean ... as a setting for the slow, azure waters of the bay – while Tuscany's characteristic, undulating vineyards, mountains, cultural treasures and ancient Renaissance towns are only a short drive away ... from Follonica you can see with the naked eye Elba island in the west and the hills with vineyards and small villages in the east. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew1b0WR3pfg

Follonica Fronted by sandy beaches and dotted with sky-rise buildings, Follonica is laid-back and welcoming, it's a town that attracts tourists for its wide sandy beaches that have a Bandiera Blu designation, the green hills inland, and the nature parks nearby. In fact, Follonica may be a busy seafront town, but it's practically surrounded by nature preserves, with the Riserva Naturale Scarlino to the south, the Riserva di Padule Orti Bottagone to the north, and the Riserva Poggio Tre to the east. That gives visitors the best of beach life as well as nature. The town has a history that dates back to the Etruscans; the remains of the Castello di Villi perched on the high point above town dates to 884. But Follonica is mostly a modern city with lots of life. It is said that the name derives from "fulloni" - in reference to the bellows used in the foundries. It was the iron industry that spurred economic and population growth of Follonica, thanks to the initiatives of Leopoldo II, one of the last grand-dukes of Tuscany, with ties to the Bourbon dynasty. He took advantage of the "metallic hills" of the Maremma for mining and planted the Royal and Imperial Foundries in Follonica, which at one time was the second most important point in Europe for the trade. Fine examples of cast iron can be seen around town as a result. Look for intricate designs on the Church of San Leopoldo (humbly dedicated to the city's patron by himself!), the lovely gate known as Cancello Ex Ilva, the Palazzo Granducale, which was the beautiful Liberty-style villa of Leopoldo, and the summit of the Torre del Orologio (clock tower). There is also a museum, the Museo del Ferro, dedicated to the history and working of the precious metal here, housed in a former factory. Art lovers won't want to miss the picture gallery, Pinacoteca Amedeo Modigliani, dedicated to Italy's premier contemporary artist who was from nearby Livorno, with works by Picasso, Dali', Sabatelli, and more. Walk along the seafront promenade starting in Piazza al Mare, where you'll find loads of gelato shops, then stroll along to see the Liberty style villas that face the sea. For a great beach, head to Torre Mozza, where you can swim in the shadow of a Saracen watch tower. North of the city center, the beaches are backed by shady umbrella pine trees. Follonica has an abundance of restaurants, shops, groceries and discos, and are used to giving tourists a warm welcome. It is near Scarlino and other hill towns scattered inland. Grosseto, Massa Marittima and Livorno are nearby, as well.

Beautiful Follonica with its soft, endless beaches

MASSA MARITTIMA – THE ANCIENT EXAMPLE VILLAGE

Massa Marittima – the village gem of the Etruscan coast – just a few kilometres from Follonica Enclosed within a well-preserved city wall, Massa Marittima represents one of the most relevant urban-architectural complexes in all of Tuscany.

The village is situated on one of the southern extremities of Colline Metallifere of Grosseto. The western and southern parts of its territory slopes down towards the Maremmana plain, while in the south-eastern part there is the Lago dell'Accesa, of karst origin. The territory around Massa Marittima was inhabited in prehistoric and protohistoric times. Awarded the Bandiera Arancione – the Orange Flag – by the Italian Touring Club, Massa Marittima is one of the most charming small towns in Tuscany. It stands above the Gulf of Follonica, at about 380 metres above sea level, and it is surrounded by national parks, dense woodland, olive groves and vinyards that are all part of the ‘Strada del Vino e dei Sapori Monteregio’ – The Monteregio Road of Wine and Flavours’ – of Massa Marittima, without even considering its proximity to the Tyrrhenian coast with Follonica only 19 km away. The Cathedral of San Cerbone (photo) is the main religious building in the area and represents one of the most important monuments of Romanesque architecture in the Maremma and Tuscany. The square by the cathedral is the village's meeting place. Here there is always something happening on a daily basis and not least on festive occasion

Village life under the Tuscan sun

See also: https://www.theisabellaexperience.com/