On the heights of the Sabatini Mountains, on the northern slopes of the ancient Sabatino Volcano, sits the village of Manziana.
The Bosco di Macchia Grande
The Bosco di Macchia Grande in Manzana is an approximately 600 hectares woodland area characterized by the presence of huge centuries-old specimens of English and Turkey oaks, wild maples, medlars, hornbeams, and chestnut trees. The forest was sacred to the Etruscans, who dedicated it to the God of the underworld Manth (Mantus in Latin), hence the name of the village. The wood, dark and impenetrable, was dotted with sulphurous springs, considered fearsome emanations from the underworld. About one kilometre south of the forest, unusually grow several unique birches, a typical tree of northern Europe. The Bosco di Macchia Grande is the largest flat expanse of tall trees in Europe.
Caldara di Manziana
The Monumento Naturale Caldara di Manziana, a relic of the ancient Sabatino volcanic complex once belonging to the Bosco Macchia Grande, is a unique environment with an extraordinary flora and fauna. According to legend, the recipe for the philosopher’s stone, which transforms lead into gold, was discovered here. Among the birch trees, the gurgling of geysers can be heard, with their intermittent explosions of sulphurous waters at 27°C, generated by the contact with the still-incandescent underground magma.
“The Shortest Day” by S. Corbucci – Manziana Twitter @ManzianaComune
Mystery and legends linger around the area of Manziana, such as the one linked to its name’s origins, which may derive from a beef, also depicted on the town’s coat of arms. Other scholars believe the name comes from the local anitiana stone. This magical place has been a favourite setting for several movies since the 1950s, such as “The Shortest Day“, directed by Sergio Corbucci in 1963.
The Manziana Chestnut Festival – www.sagradellacastagnamanziana.it
Among the most important local events, not to be missed are the Chestnut Festival in October and the Sagra della Cornuta del Territorio in June, in honour of the delicious meat from the wild breeding Maremma cattle. The feast is celebrated with equestrian shows, food stands, and popular games, such as horseback archery.