Montemerano – a beautiful village in Tuscany
Last updated on May 30th, 2026.
Montemerano is a medieval hilltop village in southern Tuscany, part of the Borghi più Belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) network. Located in the Maremma region within the province of Grosseto, it’s best known for Piazza del Castello, Chiesa San Giorgio and its famous painting the Madonna della Gattaiola. It’s around 10 minutes from the free Saturnia thermal springs, making it an ideal half-day combination visit.
Many visitors that travel to Italy tend to go for the bigger cities like Rome, Florence and Milan.
But, as interesting as it is to visit these cities in Italy, I find the smaller Italian towns and villages much more interesting.
Montemerano Italy is one such place. This small village in Tuscany doesn't have a grand Duomo at its center or other notable historical attractions.
But, what it lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in charm.
In this post, I'll be introducing you to Montemerano, the most picturesque village in Tuscany.
An ideal place to add to your Italy bucket list, use this post to help plan your Italy trip.
Where is Montemerano?
Perched high on a hilltop, Montemerano is surrounded by the glorious green landscape of the Maremma in Tuscany. The village sits within the commune of Manciano in southern Tuscany, which is part of the wider province of Grosseto.
What makes Montemerano even more enticing is that it's just a 10-minute drive from the relaxing, and free, Saturnia hot springs (Terme di Saturnia).
Montemerano, the most beautiful village in Tuscany
Montemerano is one of many borghi scattered across Italy. Asolo in Veneto, and Pitigliano (also in Tuscany) are two others that belong to this category.
Part of the group of 'uno dei Borghi più belli d’Italia', or 'one of the most beautiful borghi in Italy' in English, Montemerano totally lives up to its name.
A postcard-perfect village. it's filled with narrow pathways, arches and delightfully traditional Tuscan homes.
While a visit to Montemerano won’t take up an entire day, it does make an ideal half-day trip.
First impressions
The entrance to Montemerano sits off a winding main road.
There's nothing particularly striking as you walk towards the entrance. Aside from a bar frequented by a couple of patrons sitting outside, it struck us as being just another small Italian town.
Of course, I was proven wrong the second we walked down Via Italia Montemerano, past the bar and into the village. Its medieval past easily recognizable, we were instantly moved by what was staring back at us.
Stone houses, cobbled streets and balconies overflowing with flowers greeted us as we walked deeper into the village. It's little wonder why Montemerano is on the list of the Most beautiful places in Tuscany.
I should also mention, that we visited in the afternoon, a time when most services are closed in Italy. Its deafening silence only reinforced the feeling that we were stepping into an era gone by.
⏩️ See: What NOT to do in Italy: 27 mistakes to avoid
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What to see in Montemerano
Montemerano won't overwhelm you with famous landmarks.
What it does instead is something rarer: it stops you in your tracks with its beauty at almost every turn.
As you continue walking down Via Italia Montemerano, you’ll notice another incline to the right.
A sign indicates the way towards Piazza del Castello.
Unchanged since the Middle Ages, this castle square was the largest and most important in Montemerano. Soldiers stationed in the fortress used the grounds for training and its position was significant in case of assault.
As pretty as a picture
At this point, you might be picturing a grand piazza, something similar to what you’d find in Venice or a smaller town like Orvieto.
Instead, you’d be greatly mistaken. The incline leads to an archway with an opening onto a spectacular little piazza.
⏩️ See: Best things to do in 1 day in Orvieto, Umbria
Traditional pretty stone houses decorated by vines, flowers and plants beam beneath the Tuscan sun. Its historic doors, arched windows and shutters only add to the romance of it all.
In short, the scene perfectly epitomizes what you’d expect a village in Tuscany to look like.
Map of Montemerano and surroundings
Use the map below to locate Montemerano within southern Tuscany, including its position relative to Saturnia, Pitigliano and the wider Maremma region.
Where time stands still
With no guide or route, half the fun of visiting Montemerano is getting lost within its alleys and streets.
It was by chance that we came across a building that was once the parish church of San Lorenzo. Though nothing stood out at first glance, we saw a white plaque above a door with blue writing.
It reads: ‘qui il tempo si è fermato e si ascolta il silenzio’. Simply put, it means, 'here is where time has stopped and you can listen to silence.' A poetic phrase that perfectly sums up the atmosphere of Montemerano, it’s one stop you shouldn’t miss.
The historic church of Montemerano
In the northern part of the village, you’ll eventually find yourself standing in the Piazza della Chiesa.
Slightly larger than the Piazza del Castello, its star attraction is the Chiesa San Giorgio (St. George’s church).
Dating to the 14th century, Chiesa San Giorgio doubles as a church and an art gallery. Inside, it houses an impressive, and invaluable, collection of Renaissance art, most notably the Madonna della Gattaiola.
The cat lady of San Giorgio
As you cast your eyes over the colorful painting of the lady Madonna, you’ll notice something peculiar towards the bottom. A round circular hole that rudely disrupts the Renaissance work of art.
Sources aren’t sure whether it was the painter who did this intentionally. Instead, another story suggests that it was actually a priest who used the painting as a warehouse door. If that wasn’t strange enough, sources suggest that this priest made the hole in the painting to allow cats to pass through.
And so, the painting came to be known as the Madonna della Gattaiola, or Madonna of the cats (gatti).
Dead ends lead to beautiful finds
There are plenty of tiny dead ends waiting in Montemerano.
Sometimes they lead to the ends of houses while other alleyways take a more surprising turn. Take the street, Vicolo delle Mura.
Towards the end of the narrow street, we came across a charming eatery called Osteria Passaparola Nell’Antico Frantoio.
Though it was closed during our visit, you could easily imagine dining outside and soaking up the atmosphere.
Osteria Passaparola Nell’Antico Frantoio, Vicolo delle Mura, Montemerano
Montemerano as a day trip from Saturnia
Montemerano makes a natural pairing with the Saturnia hot springs. The two are just 10 minutes apart by car and perfectly complement each other.
A suggested half-day itinerary is, to arrive in Montemerano in the morning when the village is at its quietest.
Spend around two hours exploring the streets, and seeing its sights like Piazza del Castello and Chiesa San Giorgio.
Have lunch at one of the village restaurants: Dal Moro for a down-to-earth Tuscan meal, or Ristorante Caino if budget allows.
In the afternoon, drive the 10 minutes to the Cascate del Mulino at Saturnia for a free afternoon soak in the thermal waterfalls.
If you're based in the wider region, both Pitigliano and Sorano are within 30 minutes of Montemerano.
This corner of southern Tuscany is one of the most rewarding and least visited day trip combinations in the country. See my guide to Things to do in Pitigliano for more.
Where to eat and drink in Montemerano
Should you decide to stay longer than a few hours in the village, why not stop for a bite to eat or drink in Montemerano.
From a pizzeria to a wine bar, there's something here to make everyone happy. Be sure to check the opening times ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.
- Bar Il Glicine, Via Italia in Montemerano, 2. Come here for breakfast, lunch and drinks.
- Crema & Cioccolato, Via Italia in Montemerano, 15/17. An espresso bar serving coffee, sandwiches and ice cream.
- Ristorante Caino, Via della Chiesa, 4. Expect Michelin-star fine dining and Tuscan cooking at this historic restaurant in Montemerano.
- La Grada in Castello, Vicolo della Libertà, 1. Beer hall serving drinks and light snacks.
- Dal Moro, Via Giovanni Conti, 3. A down-to-earth Osteria dishing up Tuscan favorites, like pappardelle al ragu di cinghiale and pizza.
- Osteria Passaparola Nell’Antico Frantoio, Vicolo delle Mura. A restaurant serving traditional Tuscan meals.
Where to stay in Montemerano
Given its small size, you’re more likely to find intimate bed and breakfasts’ in Montemerano rather than big-name hotels.
⏩️ Casa Vacanze La Casa di Nonna Libia vicino Saturnia is situated in the heart of the village.
The entire home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with all the mod cons. A prime location in Montemerano, stay here to experience living in Tuscany, if only for a short while.
⏩️ A scenic 6-minute walk from Montemerano is the delightful La Piaggia B&B. With traditional Tuscan-style bedrooms overlooking the lush, green hills, it’s ideal for a short stay in the village.
⏩️ The last accommodation choice worth mentioning sits on the outskirts of the famous thermal springs. Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort is ideal for visiting the hot springs as well as for traveling to Montemerano.
With Roman baths, natural swimming pools and a Turkish bath, your wellness needs are in good hands here.
FAQs on Montemerano
Yes, particularly if you're already in the Maremma region or combining it with Saturnia. It won't fill an entire day but Piazza del Castello, the medieval streets and Chiesa San Giorgio are beautiful. Few tourists make it here which adds to the appeal.
Two hours is enough to explore the village thoroughly. It's a small borgo, the pleasure is in wandering slowly rather than ticking off sights. Combine it with Saturnia hot springs for a full half-day.
Yes, but as long as you start early. Montemerano is approximately 2 hours from Rome by car via the A1 highway. It combines well with Saturnia, Pitigliano and Sorano for a full day trip to southern Tuscany.
Montemerano is famous for its medieval streets, its status as one of the Borghi più Belli d'Italia, and Chiesa San Giorgio. The church is home to Madonna della Gattaiola, a Renaissance painting with a hole cut through to let cats pass. It's also known locally as the closest village to the free Saturnia thermal springs.
Montemerano is approximately 10 minutes by car from the Cascate del Mulino at Saturnia. The free natural thermal waterfall is one of Tuscany's most visited natural attractions. The two make a natural pairing for a half-day trip.
What do you think of Montemerano Italy? Is it how you imagined a village in Tuscany? Let me know in the comments below or send me a DM on Instagram.
*Information correct at the time of publishing.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
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My favorite is San Leo, Marche, deserted and mystic!
That sounds wonderful Gina!
This is so beautiful Lisa!!! I could see myself there. Thank you so much for sharing such amazing pics! Xoxoxo
Thank you Jacqueline for commenting! It's a stunning village, and I know you will love it x
Tuscany is wonderful place, I wandered around the area in the summer. It's a bit shame that I somehow missed that place. By these wonderful pictures it reminds me another picturesque Tuscany village - San Gimignano. For sure I need to go back to Tuscany one day. Btw beautiful photos.
Thanks Erki! San Gimignano is so pretty, but I wanted to write about Monemerano as it's lesser known.
What a beautiful and charming little place! It looks like just the village to spend a leisurely afternoon wandering aimlessly through.
It's exactly that type of village Francesca 🙂
What a beautiful find! I love how quiet it was - feels like a world away from pandemics and normal life right now. Thanks for sharing.
It was so quiet, we came at a very good time!
My last visit to Italy, the Giro d'Italia and your blogs, I am so in love with Italy, especially the small towns that no one has heard of. They are so charming and picturesque!
Thank you Tiffany, there are plenty more I can't wait to share with you 🙂
These images of beautiful Montemerano make we want to travel southward instantly – what a charming place! I have not yet been to Tuscany, and this post just provided for another reason to go. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Marvin! It's truly a beautiful village. I hope you get to visit one day 🙂
Montemerano looks like such a lovely village to visit, Lisa! I loved the story about the cat door in the painting. How crazy that someone would cut a hole in a beautiful painting like that. The priest must have been a true cat-lover!
I know, it's so bizarre! As a dog lover, it irks me even more 😀
Wow! This looks like its right out of a movie-so beautiful! I would love to walk through the cobblestone streets and admire the vine covered buildings. The big cities like Rome are always great to visit, but there is something about the small town charm that can't be beat!
Exactly! It's so charming, and even though there isn't much to see, just walking around the village is enough
Hi Lisa, The small villages in Tuscany look so charming. I hope I can spend at least a month in one of those villages. Want to walk the cobblestone streets, visit local supermarkets, and get to know the locals. Surely you had a memorable holiday.
It was such a beautiful village, and I can't wait to visit more 🙂
I would love to wander through the cobblestone streets of Montemerano...love exploring hidden gems and small villages. So charming!
It's such a pretty village Karen!
I love getting lost on the paths in villages like this. Makes me feel more connected with the culture. The painting is hilarious, with a hole for cats, who would have thought?! Gorgeous village!
It's these small towns and villages that also interest me more. And yes, the painting is so unique!
This makes me miss Italy so so much! Gorgeous place and I can't wait to visit next time I'm in Itay
Aw I really hope you get to visit very soon Kasia 🙂
Loved this article Lisa! Tuscany has the most beautiful towns, and you really brought this one to life for me!
Thank you Jenny! Montemerano is the perfect Tuscan village 🙂
Tuscan village seriously looks like a postcard image. I loved your photographs, they have captured the peace and tranquility of the place. It seriously looks like time has stood still, one can feel that. Very well written post.
Thank you so much!
It certainly does have charm, Lisa, and those stone houses are so cute. Every time I read one of your posts on Italy, it makes me miss it even more. Your photos are stunning.
Aw thanks Wendy, my mission here is done!
What an incredible place! Montemerano looks so lovely and wonderful. I can just see myself wandering around town taking 47295 photos 🙂 🙂 delightful! Thanks for introducing it to us 🙂
You're welcome Lannie! It's really a beautiful village in Tuscany 🙂
Everything about this place is gorgeous!!
It really is!
Wow, what a thorough detailed post on this village ? If I ever visit Italy, I'll definitely pay a visit to Montemerano. The place looks so beautiful. Great photos ??
You'll really like it!
This post really makes me want to return to Italy and Tuscany. We too like to explore the small towns. I love to wander the cobblestone streets and discover what is around the next bend. The flowers and vines on the buildings are beautiful in Montemerano. Especially when they surround great eateries like you found. Can’t wait to get back to this area of Italy.
Thanks Linda 🙂 It really is a wonderful part of Tuscany. I hope you can visit in the future
Stunningly beautiful, Lisa! I love the simplicity and charm of Montemerano as you have depicted it here. This is my kind of place, where you never know where those alleyways will lead or what you will discover round the next corner. You are making me long to visit Italy again.
Thank you so much Jane! Montemerano really is as pretty as the photos. We were lucky as there was no-one around
Beautiful pictures, Lisa! That's the stuff screensavers are made of. I would love to visit Montemerano. Pinned!
Aw thank you so much! It's really a beautiful Tuscan village and so charming 🙂
Wow Lisa, Montemerano is amazing!! I loved all of your pictures! This reminded me of all the little villages in Northern Spain I explored and stayed at. These smaller places can be so beautiful and well preserved yet still quiet and relaxing! I probably could just sit with a glass of wine and a cigar in the Piazza del Castello all day watching people walk by, though the explorer in me would want to wander all those amazing cobble stone alleys!
Thanks Eric! I really enjoyed photographing the village; there are so many hidden spots that will blow you away. A glass of wine here would be perfect 🙂
Love this place Lisa. Reminds me of Montecarlo, a Tuscan village I visited a few years ago. Nowhere near this nice though. Your photos are really really beautiful here too Lisa.
Thanks John! That means a lot to me, as you're quite the photographer! Tuscany has some amazing villages like Montemerano; we definitely visited at a good time 🙂
I'll be dreaming of Tuscany for the rest of the day now. Ever since watching Under the Tuscan Sun, it's been top on my list of places to travel to one day. I love the simplicity of the Italian lifestyle...things seem less complicated and less stressful there.
You're right about that, there's a slower pace of life here. It's no for everyone but it suits me perfectly. Enjoy the film, I still haven't seen it!
Tuscany has always been on my bucket list. It's so beautiful and breathtaking there.
It's definitely a must-see region 🙂
It’s really a beautiful place. I could live here, simple with all of life’s necessities. I enjoyed reading every detail that you described.
Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it
What a gorgeous little village! It looks so beautiful, we are just back from Tuscany (well a couple weeks ago) - we should definitely have visited!
One of the most pleasant place on earth - La Dolce Vita <3
It really is! And it epitomises La Dolce Vita perfectly 🙂
What a stunning village and exactly how I imagined one in Tuscany to be. I've always wanted to visit Tuscany ever since I was a little girl.
I really hope you get to visit one day 🙂
I really like the brickwork there is something about it that screams warmth. That painting with the hole is definitely very peculiar.
It really is and adds to the uniqueness of Montemerano 🙂
Tuscany looks like a truly magical place! I do love villages as they are more peaceful and picturesque than big cities. Wonderful photos! <3
So do I Natalia 🙂 Thank you, it was a pleasure to photograph
Wow! So beautiful - thanks for sharing
You're welcome
Oh I miss Italy badly. I haven't been in exact same village but I do love Tuscany. I can't wait to be able to visit Italy my 7th time
I hope it won't be too long before your 8th visit 🙂
What a nice and inviting place. It seems like such a genuinely great place to visit. 🙂
It is!
If I got a chance to visit Italy, I will opt to visit not the city but the town Tuscany. I am more intrigued by their slow lifestyle, and it got romantic appeal to me. Montemerano is definitely a must visit!
You must. Tuscany is a big region, not a town ( 😉 ) and yes, it's really worth exploring
This looks like such a beautiful place to see and explore!!! Great photos
It really is, and thank you 😀
This place is so beautiful.. No wonder there are many people want to visit this place. I also want to go here someday together with my loved ones and family.
You really must, it's such a pretty find in Tuscany
Montemerano sounds lovely. Your pictures are very good and captures the village beautifully. I'd love to see the cat lady!
Lol it was an interesting story to the painting for sure!
Gorgeous! It looks like you had the whole village to yourself. Very cool.
We did! I think the situation with the pandemic and the time we visited had an impact
Those tiny spaces between look beautiful. I like the way the village is setup.
It's a really beautiful village
This is certainly a very charming town! I would love to walk the cobbled streets and see where I might end up. A perfect ending would be a delicious dinner at Ristorante Caino!
That's exactly what you should do Tiffany! And Ristorante Caino looks amazing
What a nice village. It looks so inviting and makes me want to visit
It's so beautiful and really worth seeing one day
What a stunning village. I know I would love walking through here. It's just magical!
It's really beautiful and a must-see when in Tuscany 🙂
It looks so beautiful here. I would love to travel to Tuscany next year. Thanks for the info.
You're welcome! I hope you get to visit
It is my dream to travel to a place like Tuscany. Between the beauty and history, I cannot imagine a more perfect place to explore. These photos are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Sophie. Montemerano is really a must-see village in Tuscany, and so pretty too
What a stunning village! I've always wanted to visit Tuscany. I've heard it's beautiful.
Montemerano is so beautiful, really you must visit one day!
This reminds me so much of vacations as a kid. My mother would drag us to all these sorts of places. At the time we didn't care much for it, but now I would kill to visit places like this again.
You're so right, it's only when we're older that we really appreciate it!