# Travale

- **Country:** Italy
- **Coordinates:** 43.167222, 11.008333
- **Location Text:** Castello di

Travale is a small historic village located in the Tuscany region of central Italy, specifically within the province of Grosseto. Administratively, it serves as a frazione of the comune of Montieri and sits at an elevation of 520 meters in the Colline Metallifere area. The settlement is nestled inside the Natural Reserve of Cornate and Fosini, approximately 60 kilometers from Grosseto and just 6 kilometers from Montieri. While its population has fluctuated over time, recording 59 residents in 2011, the village retains significant cultural importance despite its modest size.

The architectural heritage of Travale dates back to the medieval period, characterized by old fortification walls that have surrounded the village since the 12th century. Key historical sights include the main parish church of Santi Michele e Silvestro, built in the 14th century, which originally housed a notable 13th-century crucifix. Adjacent to this stands the Oratorio della Compagnia, an ancient chapel of medieval origins. These structures reflect the defensive and religious life of the community during the Middle Ages, preserving the aesthetic of a traditional fortified Tuscan hill town.

Historically, Travale holds a unique place in Italian linguistics and literature due to an event recorded in 1158 involving the local castle. A document from that year quotes Malfredo di Casamagi, the castle keeper, complaining about the poor treatment of guards who were deprived of food. His phrase, written in early vernacular rather than Latin, is considered one of the first known examples of the Italian language. Today, the village remains a quiet destination within a protected natural reserve, offering visitors a glimpse into early Italian history and well-preserved medieval architecture.

![Photo of Travale](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Panorama_di_Travale.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travale (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)