Grosseto (Maremma)

On holiday in the province of Grosseto, the other Tuscany

Grosseto, "Maremma" from Tuscany
The province of Grosseto (abbreviated: GR) is the southernmost of the ten provinces of the Italian region of Tuscany. Capital is the city of Grosseto. The Grosseto province on the Tyrrhenian Sea consists of the gently sloping Maremma region (also a national park) whose capital is the center, and an eastern, more hilly area. The province also includes some islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, namely the Formiche di Grosseto, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri, and the Monte Argentario peninsula. The province is crossed by the 160 kilometer long river Ombrone.
Grosseto borders the Tuscan provinces of Pisa, Livorno, Siena and the province of Viterbo which belongs to the Latium region.
Important other places in the province are Follonica, Orbetello, Massa Marittima and Pitigliano.

THE "OTHER" TUSCANY
Whoever chooses this region, particularly loves the sea and the beach. Yet this is still a quiet area and little known to the sophisticated strandganger. But you can also experience some culture in this region!
The Maremma is the other Tuscany with very different views: from the ramparts in the region of Scansano to the steep Argentario peninsula. The Maremma has been a fertile region since the draining of the marshes. This region was plagued by malaria, so it is not full here and the lover of their own place in Tuscany can still find something affordable on the head.
Well-known seaside resorts
The Maremma is an area unique in terms of atmosphere and landscape: the beautiful countryside and beach that for many years the blue European flag for its clean sea and the service offered make the Maremma the ideal choice for your holiday in the open air: the modern and mundane cities Follonica and Punta Ala, the pine forests of Roccamare and the old town of Castiglione della Pescaia. A very nice coastal town where tourism is very noticeable. Yet there is a pleasant atmosphere in the historic center. Lover of fresh fish? Every day the fishermen sail here and bring everything fresh to the land at the end of the afternoon where you can buy this verse.

MONTE ARGENTARIO
This peninsula is the ideal holiday resort for wealthy Italians. During the holiday months there is a lot of activity. It is then impossible to find a parking space in Porto S. Stefano. You can take a boat in the port city to the Isola del Giglio. In the second city of Monte Argentario, Porto Ercole it is a little quieter and more cozy. The town of Orbetello is located on the middle headland. Thanks to many cozy terraces and shops, it has a cozy atmosphere.

PARCO NATURAL DELLA MAREMMA
The Maremma has much more nature to offer! The National Park of the Maremma stretches along both sides of the Uccellina mountain range. The Maremma is dry in summer and cold and humid in winter. The region was swampy for a very long time, until Mussolini mobilized the graves of old warriors during the famous battle to dry the swamp. The Parco Naturale della Maremma is now a protected swamp area that can only be visited with a guide. Alberese is the ideal starting point to visit the nature park. You walk through the park on foot, but if you are over 14 years old it can also be done by horse. For centuries this has been the ideal means of transport in marshy areas. You can also explore the park with a rented bike along a road that leads all the way to Marina di Grosseto. The chance that you will see wild boars or buffaloes on the way, however, is very small. Marina di Grosetto is for many Italian the beach par excellence. The beach is a fairly accessible, narrow strip and is characterized by real stumps and branches. An advisable trip, especially fun with children.

MASS MARITTIMA
This is undoubtedly one of the most historic cities. The city is located on a hill at 380 meters above sea level. Already in the Prehistory this hill was inhabited. The Etruscans and Romans won here metal-bearing raw materials. After the fourteenth century, when malaria erupted here, the city remained uninhabited for centuries. As a result, the medieval character was well preserved. Piazza Garibaldi is home to the Duomo S.Cerbone (certainly worth a visit) and some Palazzi: the Palazzo Comunale and the Palazzo Pretorio (archaeological museum).

SCANSANO
This typical village, located on a hill, seems hardly changed over the centuries. The square is hardly suitable for car traffic. The management of Grosseto resorted to the culmination of the malaria epidemic because they wanted to escape mosquitoes in the upper village. Scansano is in itself very beautiful and is also a good base to explore the region.

PITIGLIANO
If you visit the Maremma, you should not miss Pitigliano. The village has a fascinating cityscape: it seems like the houses have grown from the yellow-red volcanic tuff. At first sight it is difficult to see whether it is a window of a building or one of the many burial chambers in the rocks. The latter now serve - depending on their location - as storage rooms for grain or wine.
The above-ground Pitigliano looks like a medieval dream city. Winding streets, small covered passageways, a sixteenth-century aqueduct and a palace.
Add to this that the whole is not yet overrun by tourism and you will understand why Pitigliano is so fantastic. The Jewish community of Pitigliano is almost unique in this region. In 1599 they were even allowed to build a synagogue that you can still visit now.
A few kilometers away are some villages that are also worth a visit: Sovana and Sorano. On your way to these villages you will discover Etruscan tombs.

SATURNIA
Spontaneously from the earth, hot sulfur springs. For people with complaints eg Rheumatism, eczema often has a healing effect. It does not smell really fresh but it is delicious.

MONTE AMIATA
The Monte Amiata with its 1738 meters is the third highest mountain and only volcano of Tuscany. The many forts are the silent witnesses from the Middle Ages. You can discover the fascinating nature with all its animals in the Parco Faunistico del Monte Amiata. The hiking trails guide through the beautiful surroundings, where you can meet animals such as foxes, badgers, wild boars, hares, weasels and stone marten in their natural environment. About 120 species of wild animals live in this park, dogs are not allowed.
Well worth a visit is the monastery of San Salvatore. The villages of Castel del Piano, Arcidosso, Montegiovi and Santa Fiora are also very beautiful. The Monte Amiata and the surrounding beauties can easily keep you busy all day long!