On the slopes of Mount Amiata rises the country that has circular shape; once enclosed by walls fortified with square towers and four doors. The walls were almost completely demolished, with the exception of a few doors.The place name probably comes from the compound of “piano”, with the meaning of a “plain place”, and of “castagnaio”, coming this latter from the Latin “castanea”, with reference to the plenty of chestnut-trees in the territory.The foundation of the village of Piancastagnaio occurred during the Early Middle Ages. Since the beginning it was subdued to the jurisdiction of the Aldobrandeschi, who built an imposing fortress, that is still visible today.The local economy is mainly based on the production of cereals, vegetables, fruits. vine grape, olives and on tourism, thanks both to the beauty of the places and to presence of numerous and qualified hotels
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