Buriano: Medieval Village in the Maremma

Buriano and its history

Buriano is a small medieval village surrounded by the dense forests of the Maremma. The Rocca Aldobrandesca towers over the village; the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its Romanesque-Gothic architecture, provides another distinctive landmark. The village, fortress, and church represent different aspects of a stay focused on history. At the same time, sacred themes are not limited to church architecture: a stained-glass window, a dedicated exhibition space for sacred art, as well as a pilgrimage and a procession each offer their own points of interest.

Buriano was founded around the 10th century at the behest of the Aldobrandeschi counts. The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta dates from the 12th century and is in the Romanesque-Gothic style. The style designation combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural terms. The church was formerly known as the Pieve di Santa Maria in Arcione. Its former name is part of the history of the same church, now called Santa Maria Assunta. This makes it possible to distinguish chronologically between the village’s origins around the 10th century and the church’s construction in the 12th century.

Sacred art in the church and museum

Inside Santa Maria Assunta is a Bohemian stained-glass window from the 14th century. It depicts the mysteries of the Nativity and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The window therefore dates from a later period than the church itself: the building and the artwork represent two different historical periods. At the same time, the stained-glass window brings together two Marian themes in a single depiction.

The Museo di Arte Sacra is an exhibition space for sacred artworks from the churches of the Buriano parish. This brings together two distinct points of connection with sacred art: the individual Bohemian window inside Santa Maria Assunta and the works from the parish churches in the museum. The parish church offers a specific architectural and artistic point of interest; the museum houses sacred art from several churches in the parish.

Pilgrimage, landscape, and hiking route

Every year in May, a pilgrimage on foot leads from the parish church in Buriano to the Romitorio di San Guglielmo. The solemn procession from Buriano also goes there, on the second Sunday after Easter. Both religious events share the same destination but have different dates: the pilgrimage takes place in May, while the procession takes place on the Sunday after Easter. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the dates before travelling.

The Santuario della Madonna del Romitorio is located in the forests of Monte Pruno, about 4 kilometres from Buriano. Thus, in addition to the medieval village and its sacred sites, a sanctuary in a wooded setting is another local point of interest.

For a hike, the route to the Oratorio della Madonna and the Cappella della Badiola is one specific option. In the Frazione di Buriano, it is designated Sentiero No. 210. The route is rated moderate and covers about 6.8 kilometres one way; its elevation ranges from 95 to 350 metres above sea level. When planning, distinguish between the one-way distance and the elevation range: 6.8 kilometres refers to the route in one direction, while the elevation figures indicate height above sea level. Check the route and signage locally before setting out; trail conditions and markings may vary.

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