Tuscan Butteri: Italy's Cowboys and Maremma's Living Heritage

What are Tuscan Butteri? Italy's Original Cowboys

The butteri are Maremma's traditional mounted horsemen, who have spent centuries managing free-ranging livestock, particularly indigenous Maremman cattle and horses, across Tuscany's open fields, pine forests, and coastal grasslands.

Unlike American cowboys, who emerged during the 19th-century colonization of the American West, the butteri trace their lineage to ancient Tuscan pastoral traditions, shaped by generations of hard work, profound respect for nature, and intimate knowledge of their Maremma terrain.

The term buttero likely derives from the Greek boutherès, meaning "guardian of oxen," testament to this figure's ancient origins. Today, these Italian cowboys stand as living emblems of Maremma's most authentic character and represent a unique form of Tuscan cultural heritage.

Where to Experience Butteri Culture in Tuscany

The buttero tradition thrives throughout southern Tuscany, particularly in Grosseto's Maremma region. Places like Alberese, the Maremma Regional Park, Capalbio, and Magliano in Toscana are the beating heart of this culture.

Here, you can live a typical Buttero experience:

• Equestrian demonstrations and historical reenactments
• Traditional celebrations like the Feast of San Lorenzo and Giostra del Buttero
• Authentic agritourism experiences at historic Tuscan estates
• Cultural tours at the Museum of Rural Culture in Grosseto

Butteri vs Cowboys: what are the differences?

While butteri and American cowboys may appear similar, both being mounted guardians of livestock, their differences reveal distinct cultural identities:

• Historical origins: Cowboys emerged in 19th-century America; butteri represent centuries of Tuscan tradition
• Riding technique: Butteri employ the refined Maremman riding style - precise and controlled, perfectly adapted for navigating dense woodlands and varied terrain. Cowboys utilize the more relaxed Western riding approach
• Mount: Butteri ride the hardy Maremman horse, bred specifically as a reliable working companion for this demanding environment
• Equipment and attire: Far from the spectacle of rodeos, butteri use short, hand-braided lassos designed for precision herding. Their clothing reflects practicality: felt hats, the distinctive tabarro (heavy woolen cloak), and reinforced working trousers
• Philosophy: Cowboys embody the American spirit of conquest and territorial expansion. Butteri, conversely, represent agricultural resilience, a culture forged by wind, toil, and patient harmony with nature's rhythms

A Buttero’s Day

The buttero's work begins at first light, mounted among Maremma's ethereal morning mists. They gather scattered herds, inspect livestock health, mend fencing, and move with practiced silence through the landscape. Every action reflects expertise refined across generations.

Today, many butteri not only continue these traditions but also share them with visitors through hands-on experiences. Among LA ROQQA’s curated experiences, guests can discover the horseback excursion: a guided journey through olive groves, rosemary-scented fields, and sun-dappled woodland paths. With a bit of luck, you may spot deer, wild boars, or other native wildlife. It’s a true Tuscan adventure, offering a glimpse into the quiet strength and enduring rhythm of the butteri way of life.

Experiencing the buttero tradition in Maremma

The butteri represent far more than picturesque folklore: they embody the profound identity of Maremma and rural Tuscany itself. In our rapidly accelerating world, their presence serves as a bastion of enduring values: reverence for the land, masterful craftsmanship, and mindful appreciation of life's natural pace.

This tradition now enjoys recognition as intangible cultural heritage, deserving protection and preservation for future generations. By experiencing their world, visitors actively contribute to sustaining this remarkable living culture.