Selva: Forest Landscape, Monte Calvo and Sacred Art

Selva combines a settlement pattern characterized by scattered groups of houses with a forest-rich location on Monte Calvo. The village lies on the slopes of the 930 m-high mountain, on the right-hand side of the upper Fiora Valley. The history of the place name also points to Monte Calvo: Selva was first mentioned in 1077 under the name Monte Calvo. Those who choose accommodation in Selva therefore find a place where landscape, local history and sacred art follow closely upon one another, without Selva losing its character as a settlement surrounded by forests.

Forest Landscape on Monte Calvo

Selva's natural environment includes the Riserva Naturale Bosco della SS. Trinità. It was established to protect a stand of silver firs considered spontaneous and autochthonous. The protected area lies on the northwestern slope of Monte Calvo in the upper Fiora Valley, at an altitude of approximately 620 to 700 m. The Riserva del Bosco della Santissima Trinità is also located in Selva. In the Bosco della Santissima Trinità, there is a circular trail leading into the forest that can be used for trekking. For your travel planning, this natural area can therefore be considered a separate focus alongside the settlement pattern and the village's historic buildings.

Convent and Church of the Santissima Trinità

A central cultural point of reference is the Convento della SS. It was established in Selva at the initiative of the Aldobrandesca, the Counts of Santa Fiora. The convent contains an altarpiece by Girolamo di Benvenuto. The Chiesa della Santissima Trinità in Selva also preserves a Robbian crucifix. Together, these two sacred buildings present different facets of the area's artistic and architectural history: the convent represents the historic origins of the village, while the surviving works of art provide concrete points of reference for a culture-oriented exploration.

Mountains and Regional Excursion Destinations

Monte Calvo is a mountain in the immediate vicinity of Selva. The surrounding area also includes Poggio la Ripaccia, Monte Civitella and Monte Labbro; these too are mountains in the vicinity of Selva. For a broader orientation, Vitozza as an ancient site, the Abbazia di San Salvatore as a monastery, Castello di Cotone as a ruin site and Castello Banfi as a castle form part of the wider regional area around Selva. The different designations help you weigh nature and cultural interests separately when planning.

August Events with Local Character

Selva's traditional event calendar includes the hiking event “Giro delle fonti di Selva” on the first Sunday in August. The Sagra della Cipolla is also associated with August in Selva; it is scheduled for 13, 14 and 15 August, starting at 7 p.m. each day. These two events have different emphases: the “Giro delle fonti di Selva” is associated with hiking, while the Sagra della Cipolla bears the name of a local festival event.

Selva thus offers several clear points of reference for an individual trip to Italy: Monte Calvo and the surrounding mountains, the silver fir stand in the Riserva Naturale, the circular trail in the Bosco della Santissima Trinità, and the Convento and Chiesa della Santissima Trinità with their works of art.

For further orientation: Bagnore.

For the broader travel overview: Santa Fiora.