Aldobrandesco Castle of Arcidosso

The Aldobrandesco fortress of Arcidosso is one of the best-preserved and oldest medieval castles in Italy and Europe (10th century), an evocative container of valuable collections.
Today the castle is used to host events, exhibitions and civil ceremonies and is home to four important museums.

The medieval halls house the David Lazzaretti Museum, which traces the human and religious story of David Lazzaretti (1834-1878), the “prophet of Amiata” and his movement, through panels, objects and documents. On the first floor, walking along the gallery, we find the Emo Mecheroni collection, a collection of ancient weapons, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with about 175 pieces belonging to various eras and cultures and helmets of different shapes and origins.

On the top floor of the castle, the Medieval Landscape Museum offers an archaeological-artistic tour to discover fortifications in Amiata and Maremma. Continuing on the same floor is access to the 28-meter-high Aldobrandesca Tower.

The former Chancery building, part of the medieval complex of the Aldobrandesco Castle, is the home of the Museum of Oriental Art and Culture (MACO) that arose thanks to the Dzogchen community of Merigar, which has been present on the Amiata for more than 40 years. A “living museum” with more than 5,000 Oriental art objects, panels, multimedia and interactive installations, soundscapes and videos.