Along the state highwav towards Siena, about 10 kilometres from Grosseto, studs the small town of Batignano, a rather important castle in the Middle Ages on account of its silver and lead mines. Though part of the Aldobrandeschi property it was ruled in the 12th century by a local family named Visconti.
This family was forced to yield part of the rights over the mines to the Republic of Siena which finally obtained full control in 1363. There is a strong devotion in the town to Padre Giovanni di San Guglielmo of the order of Augustines who chose to live as a hermit, first in the monastery of San Guglielmo in Castiglione della Pescaia then in a solitary hermitage near Buriano.
A hermitage dedicated to S.Lucia was erected for him and his followers, the remains of which are still visible around Batignano. The town partially preserves its medieval walls including several towers and a round - arched gate way called the "Porta Grossetana". Further on stands the 12th century Chiesa di S.Martino with an even older nucleus. The protruding main body reveals 8th century architectural elements. Inside, the remains of Padre Giovanni are conserved and there are traces of 14th century frescoes.