Grosseto is a beautiful city nearly on the edge of the Tuscan region and the capital of Maremma – Tuscany’s wilder, coastal territory which is still almost undiscovered by tourists. It’s an ideal base for exploring the surrounding hilltops and coastal areas and has a tranquil, friendly flair. The historic center is dense, embraced by a well preserved circular medieval wall which hides plenty of treasures well worth visiting, including the dashing Piazza del Duomo, where the pink and marble facade of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo stands out, dating from the end of the 1200s. Grosseto’s population comes around to 80,000 people and lies on a plain next to the Ombrone River.
For many years the Maremma used to be one of the poorest and unhealthiest parts of Italy as it was covered in swamps that bred diseases such as malaria and cholera. However, the town of Grosseto with its Etruscan, and later Roman, heritage started developing in the 16th century when Florence’s Medici ruler Cosimo I undertook the construction of fortified walls, buildings and canals. He decided this was necessary as Grosseto had large stores of grain and salt that needed protecting.
In the mid-18th century the Grand Dukes of Lorraine, in particular Leopold II, drained the swamps and turned the countryside into fertile land.
Today physical evidence of the past rulers can be seen in Grosseto’s old town with the hexagonal walls and the large Medici fortress which has fascinating tunnels and gatehouses. Other buildings of interest include the San Francesco Romanesque-Gothic church which has a large collection of artworks and the Archaeological Museum which houses finds from sites around the area. One of these is Roselle site which offers a rare example of Etruscan and Roman remains including houses and an amphitheatre.
Grosseto is a must-visit not only for the history, art and food of but also because it can be used as a base to explore the unspoilt surrounding countryside of the Maremma with its sea-pine forest, Nature Park and hills.
Tuscany is a place like nowhere else in the world; this is the reason why this region is at the tops bucket lists all over the globe. Amazing landscapes, beautiful hilltop towns and the fantastic capital city of Florence charm everyone who decides to visit it. It is a majestic region with almost half of the artistic heritage of Italy and fantastic landscapes. Due to its mild weather, you could visit Tuscany all year round. It’s a region with exceptional art towns and hilltop villages and with a heritage of a glorious past with unspoiled nature, spectacular sea coast, and beautiful islands. Here you will taste some of the best wine varieties and then you can relax to one of its thermal spas.
The birthplace of the Roman Empire and Renaissance, Italy, showcases many of the world’s greatest artworks, architectural buildings and over the top gastronomical proposals. This is the country where the word “style” expresses the whole nation. Italy has more Unesco World Heritage cultural sites than any other country; among them are Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, Michelangelo’s David and Sistine Chapel and da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
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