Discovering the Butteri: a journey into the traditions of the Tuscan Maremma

If you find yourself staying in the Maremma or are planning to do so, you cannot miss the opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating traditions of this land: the butteri. These horsemen, custodians of an ancient culture rooted in the centuries, are the symbol of the deep bond between man and the land that surrounds him.

The Butteri: Knights of the Maremma

The Butteri are the traditional cowboys of the Maremma, engaged for centuries in the management of livestock, particularly horses. Today they continue to be an iconic figure of the local culture that can still be admired in the surrounding pastures and farms. Their skill in handling horses and driving cattle, combined with a deep respect for nature and the land, is an integral part of the Maremma identity.
A visit to the surroundings of Capalbio will allow you to immerse yourself in the life of the butteri. You can watch demonstrations of equestrian skills, take part in horseback rides along the Maremma hills and perhaps taste traditional Tuscan dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, just as the butteri did during their long days of work.
Bastions of a tradition handed down from generation to generation, the butteri controlled the movement of wild cattle in the marshy and inhospitable area that was once the Tuscan Maremma. In 1890, Buffalo Bill's travelling circus, Wild West Show, saw American cowboys compete with Maremma cowboys, who held high the name of Maremma, Tuscany and the whole Italy. Today, the Maremma cowboys are a pillar of Maremma tradition and folklore and their exploits are still revived in the Maremma. In July, the traditional ‘Torneo dei butteri’ is held in Capalbio, where they entertain with games of skill on horseback. A forty-minute drive from the Hotel Valle del Buttero in Capalbio, one witnesses equestrian shows in which the tradition of branding cattle is also revived; in a circular enclosure, the butteri brand the cattle, using a rope to immobilise them. During the traditional wild boar festival in Capalbio, it is possible to attend cowherd shows accompanied by traditional Tuscan cuisine.

The surroundings of Capalbio: a natural paradise

Capalbio, a small medieval village in the heart of the Maremma, is the ideal starting point for exploring the beauty of this region. Here, amidst green hills and unspoilt landscapes, there are still many opportunities to discover the agricultural and pastoral traditions of the Maremma. The butteri, with their lifestyle and work, are closely linked to their territory, which has always been a source of livelihood and culture.
The landscape that surrounds Capalbio is a wonder to explore, with its gentle hills, woods and vast plains where horses and cows still graze, and then on to the coast with its crystal-clear sea and vast stretches of beach. The beaches of Capalbio are the ideal place to relax after a day of exploring. You can stroll along the coast, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply enjoy the scenery. Macchiatonda, for example, is famous for its tranquillity, far from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded tourist destinations.

Traditional Tuscan cuisine: a dive into local flavours

The Tuscan Maremma is a place where traditional cuisine is an authentic experience for the palate. The local dishes reflect the simplicity and richness of the land. From pici to tortelli, from wild boar ragout to aged cheeses and pork sausages, every meal is an encounter with the gastronomic traditions that the butteri and peasants of yesteryear consumed to recharge their batteries after a long day's work in the fields and on the farms.

Hotel Valle del Buttero Capalbio: the ideal refuge

In addition to attending the butteri show, you can explore the beauty of the medieval village of Capalbio, with its characteristic narrow streets and suggestive views of the Maremma countryside. Don't forget to visit the surroundings of Capalbio, with Niki De Saint Phalle's famous Tarot Garden, a unique work of art just a few minutes' drive away. An unmissable stop during your holiday in Capalbio.
If you are planning to attend the cowboys‘ show, which is exciting for the whole family, we invite you to stay at our hotel in Capalbio, located just a 5-minute walk from the traditional wild boar festival in September and the site of the cowboys’ tournament. Nestled between the green Tuscan hills on one side and the village on the other, our hotel offers a warm and comfortable welcome, perfect for relaxing.