This shop is a crazy mix of antiques, wonderful olive oils stone pressed at their farm, wine, cheeses, jams, and pure kitsch. The tiny, cluttered store is packed to overflowing with all sorts of oddments and surprises. Locals line up for their oil. The greatest delight is the proprietor, Marcella, a welcoming woman of quiet, innocent charm and warmth. It is an experience. Go to Abbadia just to meet her. While you are in Abbadia have the filled pastas at Il Cantinone, visit the hot springs at Bagni San Felippo, and see Santa Fiora, another small gem of an untouristsy town in the Amiata area.

Marcellina's little shop is a local gem found at Via Cavour 30 (address is incorrectly listed here). Filled to bursting with Italian memorabilia, ornaments, kitchenware and organic fare straight from her family's farm, this store is a must-see for any traveler to the Southern Tuscan region. The shop is your best bet for finding iconic souvenirs and treats for family and friends: more reasonable than the same kind of store in the neighboring towns of Pienza and Montalcino, and the quality of the goods is supreme. Marcellina is welcoming and warm and will point you in the right direction of any goody you are looking for. The food is what kept bringing me back to the store during my stay (and what pushed my bag's weight limit well over 50 pounds on my return Stateside). The extra-virgin olive oil is very reasonably priced (10 euro for 1 liter) and is top quality. The store has a whole wall filled with homemade jams, honeys and pasta sauces. I brought home a chocolate hazelnut breakfast spread and a parmesan truffle spaghetti sauce. On another wall, you will find a well-stocked inventory of local wines and homemade liqueurs (including a fabulous grappa!) Her farm-made pecorino is light and the salsicce are filled with flavor- perfect for a mountainside picnic. If you find yourself in the area, stop by Marcellina's for an authentic taste of Tuscany!