Tuscany to discover wrapped between mystery and legend
We are located in Magliano in Toscana in the heart of Maremma just outside the walls of the village, behind the 15th-century Church of the Annunciation is the amazing ' Olivo della Strega ". This is a monumental olive trees whose age is estimated at over 3,500 years: that puts this plant one of the oldest olive trees in the world.
The name "Olivo della Strega" is related to the many legends that have been passed down over the centuries and have come down to our ears.
It is said that the name goes back to the middle ages when the olive tree of Magliano was considered a meeting place of all the witches of Maremma.
The particular night, at which participated also fauns and Centaurs, was that of Saint John, June 23 and 24, date between the traditionally linked to the pagan rituals of the summer solstice.
The most common legend tells of a witch who every Friday, dancing around the tree thus forcing the plant to squirm until it assumed its present form. At the end of the Satanic rite the witch turned into a huge fiery-eyed cat and remained to watch the tree all night.
Mystery and legends fascinating aspects of a hidden Tuscany and waiting to be discovered.
