Discover Poggioferro

Poggioferro, a hamlet of Scansano, lies at an altitude of about 490 m in the hills of the Albegna and Fiora valleys. Its location provides the geographical setting; the church art and the routes mentioned offer different starting points for planning a trip. Cultural history and activities in the landscape are the focus: the Chiesa della Santa Croce houses named works of art, while a documented trekking route and the horse-riding options offer different perspectives.

History and Art in the Chiesa della Santa Croce

The Chiesa della Santa Croce was mentioned as a chapel in 1729 and became a parish church in 1789. Its transition from chapel to parish church provides a clear chronological context for the history of the place of worship.

The church houses a panel by Giovanni di Paolo depicting the Madonna and Child with musical angels. There is also an 18th-century polychrome wooden crucifix of Tuscan manufacture on the high altar. The two works offer different art-historical points of reference: the panel is notable for its artist and subject, while the crucifix is notable for its material, colorful design, region of manufacture and date.

If you would like to visit the church in person, it is best to check the current opening hours in advance.

Woodland, Fields and Vineyards Along the Routes

A UISP trekking route documented in 2022 starts in Poggioferro and passes through woodland and adjoining fields to the Senna stream, which it crosses three times. The route then climbs for about 2.5 kilometers to Castello di Montepò; the return journey follows a different path through vineyards. The figure of about 2.5 kilometers refers to the uphill section to the castle, not the entire outward and return journey.

The route from Scansano via Murci to Saturnia also passes through Poggioferro and the forests of Monte Lumini. It places the village along a route that includes several named places; the UISP trekking route, by contrast, specifies points such as the start in Poggioferro, the Senna crossings, the climb and the return through vineyards.

Horse Rides and Riding Lessons

Tenuta Il Prato, at 58054 Poggioferro di Scansano, offers horse rides along scenic routes as well as lessons in the basics of riding with experienced instructors. The two formats differ: the rides focus on tours along scenic routes, while the lessons focus on teaching the basics of riding.

These are different kinds of activities: a trekking route on foot with named waypoints and horseback rides. If you are planning one of the riding activities, check current availability directly with Tenuta Il Prato.

The Origins of the Sagra del Tortello

The history of the Sagra del Tortello is another local topic. A 2025 report states that the festival began 55 years earlier, at the initiative of the parish and the parish priest at the time, Don Pietro Natali. It was intended to fund Poggioferro's local football team. The story of its origins thus links the parish's initiative with support for the football team.

Discover more destinations: Polveraia, Murci.

Go to the main travel overview: Scansano.