Buriano: Medieval Village, Churches and Pilgrimages

Buriano is a small medieval village surrounded by the dense forests of the Maremma. Its character combines the long history of this small medieval village with sacred art and religious routes. Together with the dense woodland landscape of the Maremma, this creates a picture in which history, sacred art, religious routes and nature appear as different facets of the village. Visitors interested in history and religious culture will find several specific points of interest to consider when planning their own trip. For those interested in culture, Buriano's main attractions are its local history, sacred art and religious routes.

Church and Sacred Art

The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta is the main focal point. It dates from the 12th century and is built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Inside, there is a Bohemian stained-glass window from the 14th century. It depicts the mysteries of the birth and Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The church was formerly known as Pieve di Santa Maria in Arcione—a historical designation that highlights its earlier ecclesiastical significance.

The Museo di Arte Sacra complements it as an exhibition space featuring sacred artworks from the churches of the Buriano parish.

Local History and the Rocca

Buriano was established around the 10th century at the behest of the Aldobrandeschi counts. The Rocca Aldobrandesca towers over the village of Buriano. The village therefore predates the 12th-century parish church. The former name Pieve di Santa Maria in Arcione is part of the history of this same church.

Pilgrimages to the Romitorio di San Guglielmo

Religious tradition is also reflected in Buriano's recurring routes. Every year in May, a pilgrimage on foot leads from the parish church in Buriano to the Romitorio di San Guglielmo. In addition, the solemn procession from Buriano reaches this destination on the second Sunday after Easter. The Santuario della Madonna del Romitorio is located in the forests of Monte Pruno, about 4 kilometres from Buriano. The sanctuary is located in the forests of Monte Pruno, while the pilgrimages in Buriano begin at the parish church. When planning the year, bear in mind that the pilgrimage on foot takes place in May, while the procession is tied to the second Sunday after Easter.

Route to the Oratorio della Madonna

Hiking enthusiasts can also follow a route to the Oratorio della Madonna and the Cappella della Badiola. The trail is moderately difficult, runs for approximately 6.8 kilometres in one direction, and ranges from 95 to 350 metres above sea level. In the Frazione di Buriano, it is designated as Sentiero No. 210. The route should be planned as a one-way trail. Your own pace and breaks can be adjusted to the moderate difficulty rating and the elevation range.

Other Destinations in the Area

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Buriano, you can also find Punta Ala, Roccamare, Vetulonia and Tirli here.

For the overview of the broader travel area: Castiglione Della Pescaia.