Poggio Cavallo between the Ombrone, history and olive oil

The history of Poggio Cavallo is closely connected with agriculture and the Ombrone. The Fattoria di Poggio Cavallo was established approximately between 1769 and 1792. The Tenuta di Poggio Cavallo is located on the left bank of the Ombrone River, while the Ponte Tura, built on the right bank in 1829, is also known as the Steccaia. The two locations on opposite banks thus connect the history of the Tenuta with the historic hydraulic engineering works on the Ombrone. Built in 1829, the Ponte Tura is more recent than the Fattoria, whose establishment is dated to between 1769 and 1792.

Hydraulic engineering and rural history

The Steccaia regulated the complex system of locks and weirs along the lower course of the Ombrone. The aim of regulating the water was to reclaim land for agriculture.

The restored old village of Poggio Cavallo welcomes its guests in an authentic atmosphere associated with a 19th-century Maremma estate. There was once a church in the agricultural hamlet of Poggio Cavallo; only a partially intact holy-water stoup remains.

Olive growing and regional products

The Tenuta's agricultural tradition is also reflected in olive growing and its former processing activities. For those interested in regional products, the Tenuta directly combines olive growing with the history of a former olive mill. The Poggio Cavallo olive grove covers approximately 19 hectares and contains more than 4,200 trees of the Frantoio, Moraiolo and Leccino varieties. The Tenuta di Poggio Cavallo's extra virgin olive oil received IGP Toscano certification in 2017. The history of the Tenuta also includes an olive mill that remained in operation until the 1980s. The olive oil was certified in 2017, after the olive mill's historical operating period had ended.

Culture and surroundings

The Museo di Storia Naturale della Maremma is located in the immediate vicinity of Poggio Cavallo. The Palazzo Chiarini and the Palazzo Stefanopoli-Porciatti are also located nearby. The Palazzo Stella d'Italia is located in the area surrounding Poggio Cavallo.

Monte Bottigli is located in the area surrounding Poggio Cavallo. Poggio della Rustica is also located near the village. Further afield in the region are Medusa Beach and Oasi Beach. The two beaches should therefore be classified as regional destinations, not as attractions located directly in the village.

Walking across the Steccaia

When the river is dry in summer, the top of the Steccaia dam can be crossed on foot. For planning your excursion, this option depends on the river being in its dry summer state. The top of the dam can therefore be included in a walk as a seasonally accessible section along the river near Poggio Cavallo.

Discover more destinations

For comparison with other destinations, you can also visit the pages for Bagno Roselle, Istia D'ombrone, Braccagni, Alberese, Montepescali, Principina A Mare, Santa Maria Di Rispescia and Batignano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Grosseto.