Tiny little Pereta is on the road between Magliano and Scansano, perched on the mountain road overlooking a deep river valley that winds from inland Maremma down to the sea. Founded by the Etruscans and named after the pears that were farmed in the area, Pereta has been invaded, re-invaded, sacked, burned, abandoned, sold, destroyed, and exchanged by everybody; Goths, French, Papal forces, powerful Maremma families, republics, and outlaws.

It’s had a pretty miserable existance, including centuries as a sulphur, minerals, and mecury mining center, but each time it’s been destroyed or abandoned it’s been rebuilt and adorned with beautiful frescos. It’s fortifications have the Maremma’s tallest watch tower, built in the 14th century, the imposing Porta di Ponente city gates built by the Sienese, two beautiful medieval churches, and a lovely litttle old town.