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Grosseto - The Cathedral
The province of Grosseto lies in southern Tuscany and reaches from the slopes of the Colline Metallifere to the border with Latium, comprising the multifarious landscapes of Maremma.
The coastline, between the Gulf of Follonica and the mouth of the river Chiarone, presents sceneries of singular beauty dominated by pine forests and crystal clear waters. It is home to famous resorts such as Marina di Grosseto, Principina a Mare, Castiglione della Pescaia, Punta Ala and Punta Talamone.
Tourist destinations of international renown include Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, the two pearls of the Argentario, the green headland that stretches out into the sea, surrounded by a high and rocky coastline and connected to the mainland by the long sandy beaches of Giannella and Feniglia, nicknamed “the necks”. Pristine landscapes and magnificent views are the characterizing features of the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Formiche di Grosseto, favourite diving spots thanks to the population of colourful flora on their seabed.
The hinterland is also rich in possibilities. In the Monterondo Marittimo area of the wild Colline Metallifere the Parco Naturalistico delle Biancane (nature park) is waiting to be discovered. An area noted for the emission of hot, white steam from the depths of the earth, creating extraordinary landscapes and a surreal atmosphere.
Another typical environment, of this area is Maremma Grossetana, where the wide plains of Ombrone, Fiora and Albegna are interspersed with hills. Maremma is the land of the “buttero” (the typical cowboy from the area), of authentic local products, rural traditions handed down over the centuries, of pure, wild nature.
There are numerous protected zones in the area, including the Parco Naturale della Maremma e Monti dell’Uccellina (wildlife park), the Riserva Naturale Laguna di Orbetello (Nature reserve) which is an immense mirror of water that welcomes many species of birds every season, and the Burano Lake, a magnificent coastal saltwater lake and WWF oasis.
In the southeastern corner of the province the so-called “Tufo area” is characterized by erosive phenomena, where beautiful villages lie and the most important Etruscan necropolises in the area.
Apart from its natural beauty and the variety of its environments, the province of Grosseto is home to a considerable artistic heritage, art settlements, small and fascinating centres of medieval and Renaissance material and archeological sites that conserve Roman and Etruscan finds.
A rich gastronomic tradition and the excellent local wines add an extra touch of magic to this fascinating land.
The first stop of any tour of the area should be Grosseto itself, with its old town hemmed in by the hexagonal sixteenth century wall and dominated by the impressive Medici Fortress.
Monuments of particular importance are the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, with an abundant collection of artworks, the Church of San Francesco and the Museo Archeologico e d’Arte della Maremma (Museum of Archaeology and Art) that collects paintings and archeological finds from the area.
The golden beaches of Giannella and Feniglia, the thick Mediterranean vegetation, the stunning sixteenth century fortifications and unique panoramas define the Argentario peninsula, making this an alluring tourist destination for a seaside holiday among cliffs, coves and scuba diving. In two little natural inlets located on opposite sides of the peninsula, lie Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, two sophisticated and mundane villages that are also enchanting and rich in history. Porto Santo Stefano is a typical location with its seafront, the Old Port, the New Port and the majestic Spanish Fortress. Porto Ercole is also striking. Its coloured houses are scattered around the bay, the village is surrounded by mighty walls and overlooked by the Fortress.
In the heart of the Colline Metallifere there is a town of considerable artistic value considered among the most important of the province: Massa Marittima; its medieval splendour has been preserved intact. A stroll through the centre allows one to admire its fine monuments, among them the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, the Praetorian Palace and the Fortezza Senese castle connected to the Candeliere Tower by a unique bridge with flying buttress. Outside the city Lake Accesa. This is an area of great natural value; the Parco Archeologico is evidence of the original Etruscan civilization.
Traditional villages are still abundant in the area, like Scansano, homeland of the Morellino wine; Civitella Marittima with its narrow streets and small Renaissance buildings; Capalbio, the romantic Medieval village; Castiglione della Pescaia, fascinating tourist resort on the sea and Manciano with the neighbouring thermal spa complex of Saturnia.
The “Città del Tufo” is well worth a visit, three beautiful villages that lie on rocky outcrops surrounded by the striking valleys of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana, rich in Etruscan, medieval and Renaissance remains. Do not miss a visit to the Parco Archeologico Città del Tufo (Archeological park), which has its hub in the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana and includes the “vie cave”, ancient roads dug into the rock.
Other archeological sites of particular note are the necropolises of Vetulonia which constitute the greatest evidence of Etruscan funerary architecture, the Ruins of Cosa, the ancient Roman colony and the Ruins of Roselle, ancient Etruscan and later Roman settlement.
Equally not to be missed is an excursion to the Island of Giglio, and a visit to the typical fortified village of Giglio Castello, located on the peak of the mountain and offering a one of a kind view of the islands and unforgettable sunsets.
The variety of the environment provides diverse opportunities for a fun holiday in close contact with nature.
Sea lovers can choose between rocks, small bays or long beaches and dedicate themselves to water sports and sailing. The wonderful, colourful sea beds of the Monte Argentario Peninsula and the islands are ideal for scuba diving.
The protected areas offer numerous tracks for excursions on foot, by bike or on horseback of varying levels and difficulties, against the backdrop of the green hills and valleys of the Maremma. The visitors itinerary at the Parco Naturalistico delle Biancane is particularly interesting as it gives one the chance to admire the extraordinary phenomenon of hot steam from close up that emerges from the ground and an environment of particular natural value. Observation towers and positions dedicated to birdwatching can be found in the Riserva Naturale Laguna di Orbetello and near Lake Burano, both environments populated by numerous bird species including cormorants, herons and flamingos.
Golf fanatics can devote themselves to their favourite pastime in various settings surrounded by a beautiful natural scenery, from Punta Ala to Grosseto, from Saturnia to the Argentario Peninsula.
Thanks to the therapeutic properties of their waters, there are several spas to take care of your health and wellbeing, they include the famous Terme di Saturnia, known and enjoyed since Roman times, and the Terme di Bagnolo, near Montertondo Marittimo.
Traditional and folk events are frequent and include the Balestro del Girifalco with a costume parade in Massa Marittima (on the fourth Sunday of May and the second of August), the Palio Marinaro dell’Argentario with a historic parade on Ferragosto (the 15th of August, Italian bank holiday) in Porto Santo Stefano, the traditional Festa della Pina in Arcidosso on the first Sunday after Easter and the Palio Marinaro in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Patronal feasts are of great importance, especially the feast of San Lorenzo in Grosseto, the feast of Sant’Erasmo in Porto Ercole, and the feast of San Cerbone in Massa Marittima which includes the participation of group in medieval costumes.
Festivals and feasts devoted to typical produce are also common, the Gustatus food and wine review in Orbetello (the last weekend of October), the feast of the wild rabbit on the Island of Giglio (September), and the feast of the wild boar in Capalbio (September) for example.
Cuisine in Maremma is based on products from the land and ancient traditions.
Typical dishes are fettuccine with different accompaniments, mushroom soup, pheasant broth and above all, “Acquacotta”, a soup with lightly fried onion, celery, tomato and chilli.
A typical second course dish from Maremma is “scottiglia di cinghiale”, a wild boar stew, while the speciality of the Island of Giglio is wild rabbit chasseur, cooked with tomato, spices and a little chilli.
On the coast and in seaside localities popular dishes include fish soup, “mare e monti” preparations which mix products from the land and from the sea, “caldano”, a soup of mixed fish, octopus, cuttlefish, tomato and bread. Maremma, so rich in forest and wild areas, also offers game and dishes made with boar, hare and pheasant. Bruschetta is also very common, giving you a chance to taste the excellent olive oil, cheese and cold cuts.
As far as desserts go, “cavallucci”, a kind of biscuit from Massa Marittima, “castagnaccio”, a tart made with chestnut flour, “pagnottella di Natale” typical of Porto Santi Stefano, “scarsella orbetellana”, an Easter cake in the shape of a ring with a whole egg is wrapped up where the ends meet.
Wine production is also noteworthy, Vino Colli di Maremma, Binaco di Pitigliano, Morellino di Scansano, Ansonica Costa dell’Argentario, Ansonaco di Isola del Giglio and Bianco di Pitigliano to name but a few.
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