Choose what to see and to do in Grosseto

Grosseto between Etruscans, cowboys and the Natural Park of Maremma
The city of Grosseto, capital of the province, is located in the middle of a flood plain crossed by the last stretch of the Ombrone River. The old town is enclosed by a fortified wall of the 16th century that includes numerous bastions and gates kept in perfect condition. The old town contains monuments that bear witness to the past of the city: first of all, Piazza Dante, where the Aldobrandesco Palace and the Cathedral are situated. In the municipal area, there are archaeological sites of primary importance, such as the Archaeological Park of Roselle, which houses various Roman buildings.
The coast is only 12 kilometers and consists of a large sandy beach that in 2014 has been certified Blue Flag, for the quality of the sea and the tourists’ reception. Marina di Grosseto and Principina a Mare are two seaside towns with a large summer tourist flow. A long bike path connects the town with Marina di Grosseto, Principina a Mare and Castiglione della Pescaia. Folkloric events take place in various locations and, in large part, they are due to the folk traditions of the “cowboys”, in the past widely present throughout the territory of Grosseto.
AREA | Maremma |
TYPE: capital city of the Province of Grosseto | |
COORDINATES | 42°46′20″N 11°6′32″E |
ALTITUDE | 10 m. above sea level |
PRODUCTS | olive oil, wine, meat, cereals, sunflowers, fiberglass products, motorcycle helmets, windsurfing and kitesurfing, sportswear |
SPORT | hiking, trekking, cycling, cricket, football, hockey, baseball, water sports, wind and kite surfing, scuba diving, sport fishing, horseback riding |
BORDERS | Campagnatico, Castiglione della Pescaia, Gavorrano, Magliano in Toscana, Roccastrada, Scansano (GR) |
Tourist information
Grosseto municipality
Piazza Duomo, 1
Phone: +39 0564 488111
www.comune.grosseto.it
WHAT TO SEE
Churches in Grosseto
Cathedral of Grosseto
Cattedral of San Lorenzo - Duomo
Area: Maremma
Type: Gothic church (13th – 16th century)
The cathedral was dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Construction was started in 1294 by Siena-born architect and sculptor, Sozzo Rustichini. The work was, however, accompanied by numerous interruptions and the church was the subject of extensive alterations and renovations up until it took the gothic look that still retains. The façade has a large rose window, and the decoration is characterized by the use of the white-red marble from Caldana. The bell tower, dating from the 15th century, has windows with mullioned windows arc. The interior, a Latin-cross plan with a semicircular apse, is decorated with stained glass windows and neoclassical paintings and drawings by Benvenuto di Giovanni (15th century).
Church of San Francesco
Area: Maremma
Type: Church (13th century)
Address: Piazza San Francesco
Built in medieval times, it was an important Benedictine convent before being transferred to the Order of the Franciscans. The church was, however, subject to various restorations in later periods. Very characteristic is the wooden tabernacle on the façade. Inside, there are works of art from various historical periods. It is part of a cloister, where the characteristic Pozzo della Bufala, commissioned by the Medici family, is located. Rumor has it that the name of the well comes from a hoax trying to escape slaughter; the hoax went inside the cloister and fell into the hole that had been dug for the construction of the well, in 1590.
Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Gesù
Area: Maremma
Type: church-basilica (20th century)
Address: Via della Pace
The basilica was built in the 1950s by the engineer Ernesto Ganelli. It is an imposing modern building with a façade preceded by a staircase, completely covered in travertine marble. The building is topped by a polygonal dome covered in copper and a lantern with a golden statue of Christ. The interior has a nave with three semicircular apses and a crypt dedicated to the fallen of World War II.
San Rabano abbey
Area: Maremma
Locality: Alberese
Type: Romanesque church-abbey (11th – 14th century) – ruins
Address: A1 route of the Natural Park of Maremma
The abbey ruins are located on the ridge of the Monti dell’Uccellina. The complex was built between the 11th and 12th century as a Benedictine monastery. In 1307, the monastic order transferred ownership to the Knights of Jerusalem (later the Knights of Malta) who undertook some restoration and fortification works. In the 16th century, the abbey was then abandoned.
The complex stayed abandoned until the 20th century, when restoration work began once again, and the ruins we can nowadays admire were discovered. The church, in Romanesque style with a single nave, has remained strikingly devoid of cover. The bell tower, with a square section, rises imposingly and has been carefully preserved over the years. Near the Abbey, there is the Uccellina tower, built in the 14th century as defense of the religious complex.
Monuments and places to visit in Grosseto
Grosseto Walls
Piazza Dante
Area: Maremma
Type: historic square (13th century)
Address: Piazza Dante
The main square, also known as the “Square of Chains”, was built in trapezoidal shape between the 13th and 14th century. In the center, there was a monument dedicated to “Canapone”, the nickname associated to the Grand Duke Leopold II Habsburg-Lorraine. Piazza Dante has always been the core of the city’s social and religious life. The square is adorned by the Cathedral, the Town Hall and Palazzo Aldobrandeschi.
Grosseto Walls
Area: Maremma
Type: 12th – 16th century building
The walls were built in the 12th century, but were repeatedly destroyed and then rebuilt in the following centuries. Much of their current appearance is due to the restructuring and fortification, carried out between 1574 and 1593, by architect Baldassarre Lanci, who was commissioned directly by the Grand Duke Francesco I Medici. The plant is hexagonal, with corners defended by six bastions of polygonal shape, and with guard posts at the outer top of the bulwarks. In 1855, the Grand Duke Leopold II tore down most of the guard posts, thus reshaping the harsh appearance of the entire fortification into a softer one, and transformed it into a tree-lined path, available to the inhabitants. Recent restoration brought back the original circular appearance.
Along the walls is the Porta Vecchia, which allowed the ancient Via Aurelia to go through the area. Riding the Bastion, built in 1575; Bastione Molino a Vento, built in the 16th century and that incorporates a garden adorned by a characteristic 19th century bath; Porta Nuova, the second gateway to the center; Bastion Fortress, an imposing complex of pentagonal shape built in 1593. The bastion includes Senese Castle (14th century), the Plaza de Armas, the Fortress Well and the Chapel of Santa Barbara, which together made up the fortified citadel. Along the walls, there is also the Bastion of Saint Lucia, which includes a series of artillery positions and a perfectly preserved sentry box, called Casino of the Sentinel, the well-tank (built in 1590), and the Bastion Maiono, the oldest of all because it was built in 1566. The road of Giucco del Cacio, dating from the 19th century, is a ring road that runs along the entire inside walls.
Cassero Senese
Area: Maremma
Type: fortified building (14th century)
The building, also known as Fortress, dates from the 14th century. It represents, along with the Porta Vecchia, the only architectural element of the medieval walls survived after the 16th century renovations. The Fortress is a large tower with a rectangular section externally covered with travertine marble and a summit covered terrace. Currently, it is mainly used for exhibitions of art and photography.
Aldobrandeschi Palace
Area: Maremma
Type: neo-gothic residence (13th – 20th centuries)
Address: Piazza Dante
The building dates back to medieval times, but it was almost completely rebuilt in the early 20th century by architect Lorenzo Porciatti. The building is in Gothic Revival style, with mullioned windows and triple lancet characterized by pointed arches. The summit culminates with a battlement. The building is currently the headquarters of the provincial administration.
Pozzo dello Spedale
Area: Maremma
Type: historical well (15th century)
Address: Piazza San Francesco
This is a well-cistern dating back to 1465, for the water supply of the ancient hospital of Grosseto. It presents a monumental structure in travertine marble with hexagonal-shaped base and circular columns.
San Rocco Fortress
Area: Maremma
Locality: Marina di Grosseto
Type: coastal fortification (18th century)
The building was built by the Grand Dukes of Tuscany in the 18th century to guard the coast, as well as a logistics base for the reclamation of inland marshes and Lake Pile, directed by Leonardo Ximenes. The fort looks like a rectangular tower on three floors protected by a rampart with base shoe, and the summit terrace.
Tino di Moscona
Area: Maremma
Locality: Poggio di Moscona – Roselle
Type: medieval fortification – ruins
Located on the hill top of Poggio Moscona, it dominates the entire village of Roselle. Fortification of medieval times, with an unusual elliptical shape, it was built in a strategic position as a result of repeated invasions. After a victorious siege by Siena, the fort was gradually abandoned. It was renovated in 2005 and the work made it possible to recover the original appearance of the imposing ruins with walls covered in stone. Inside, there are well-preserved underground compartments and the remains of an ancient Roman era tank, as well as the medieval traces of the town.
Aquarium of Grosseto
Zona: Maremma
Type: aquarium
Address: via Porciatti, 12
The aquarium contains numerous specimens of fauna from the Tyrrhenian Sea, especially the stretch that washes off the coast of Grosseto. Aquarium fish and invertebrates are kept in tanks, but there are also marine animals preserved in formalin. The aquarium also presents collections of shells and sand from around the world. The aquarium also maintains a recovery center and first aid area for marine turtles.
Horse Breeding Centre
Area: Maremma
Type: farm with horse breeding
The center is located 4 km west of the city, along the road to Castiglione della Pescaia. It was originally a hunting lodge of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, then transferred by the army after the unification of Italy. In addition to the breeding of horses, it is home to the Military Veterinary Center. The complex includes several facilities in neo-Gothic style as the hut of the guard, the former kennel, infirmary, furriery, saddlery, the riding, stables, as well as the family chapel
Astronomical Observatory of Grosseto
Area: Maremma
Locality: Mota – Roselle
Type: Astronomical observatory
Opening hours: Friday from 9:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Conveniently located in the houses of Mota, it’s a very well-equipped astronomical observatory. Conferences and meetings for the observation of celestial bodies are often help here, at times even accompanied by concerts.
Grosseto beaches
Beach of Grosseto
Area: Maremma
Locality: Marina di Grosseto and Principina a Mare
Type: sandy shores shallow
Services: bathing establishments, restaurants, parking, rental umbrellas
Along the coast of Grosseto, there is a long sandy beach that includes the town of Marina di Grosseto and Principina a Mare. It is a long beach, flanked by lush pine trees, easily accessible, dotted with numerous beaches, umbrellas and boats for rent, as well as a variety of restaurants. The beach is shallow, thus suitable for children, bathing and swimming. Sports can be practiced, especially of nautical type.
Natural reserves
Ucellina Park
Maremma Regional Park
Area: Maremma
Municipalities: Grosseto, Magliano in Toscana and Orbetello
Type: nature conservation area
Visitor Center: Via del Bersagliere 7/9 – locations Alberese (GR)
Phone: 0564-407098
Email: info@parco-maremma.it
Site: www.parco-maremma.it
The Maremma Regional Park, also known as dell’Uccellina Park, extends along approximately 25 Km of coastline between the town of Principina a Mare (town of Grosseto) to the north, and Talamone (municipality of Orbetello) to the south. The nearly 9,000 hectares of the park are divided between the towns of Grosseto, Magliano in Toscana and Orbetello.
The park is characterized by several morphological elements: the ridge of the Uccellina mountains parallel to the coast line is covered by a thick Mediterranean scrub; the coast has long stretches of sandy beaches, coves, cliffs and steep rocks; a swamp; a pine forest of over 600 hectares – the Pineta Granducale dell’Uccellina – consisting mainly of pine trees planted in the 18th century. Among the thick forests of the Uccellina Mountains, live undisturbed many species of wild animals live undisturbed, in particular wild boars and roe deer. Common throughout the park area are the typical Maremma cows, who, together with semi-wild horses, have become one of the most characteristic elements of the agro-pastoral landscape of Maremma.
As for its historical and architectural heritage, in the area there are several buildings: the ruins of the Etruscan-Roman period near Talamone and, along the Ombrone River, the imposing ruins of the medieval abbey of St. Rabano and coastal watchtowers. Among the latter are of particular importance:
– Trapolla Tower: from the Middle Ages, it was part of a complex that included salt mines and a church, carrying out functions of defense and coast guard.
– Castel Marino Tower: built in the 13th century along with a watch tower.
Maremma Collelungo Torre di Collelungo: situated on a promontory in front of the Collelungo beach, it is one of the best preserved towers around the Grosseto coast. It was built quadrangular on three levels with a powerful base shoe during the Renaissance with an oversight function. The structure was destroyed, later rebuilt and greatly raised in the second half of the 16th century. In 1847, it was struck by lightning that destroyed the upper floors. In the last years of the 20th century a careful renovation has restored the tower ancient appearance, recovering most of the stylistic elements of the 16th century. The tower can be reached through the Park A2 route.
– Uccellina Tower: dating back to the 14th century, it is located along the ridge of the Monti dell’Uccellina. The tower had coastal surveillance and defense functions of the nearby Abbey of San Rabano, of which it was part. The tower has stone walls with various slits and inlet port located in a raised position. Access to the tower is possible through the A1 route of the Natural Park of Maremma.
The park is open all year and is accessed through three visitor centers: Alberese (town of Grosseto), Collecchio (municipality of Magliano in Toscana), Talamone (municipality of Orbetello). The visit is free, for individuals or groups. Inside the park there are several routes marked and equipped, accessible on foot or by bicycle. Please note that some tours must be reserved first in order to be accessible.
Walking trails
A1
Departure: visitor center – locality Alberese
Length: 8 km
Walking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: hard, mandatory reservation and guide
Attractions: San Rabano Abbery and Uccellina Tower
A2
Departure: visitor center – locality Alberese
Length: 6 km
Walking time: 3 hours
Difficulty: medium, mandatory reservation and guide
Attractions: Towers
A3 (closed in summer)
Departure: visitor center – places Alberese
Length: 10 km
Walking time: 3 hours
Difficulty: easy, mandatory reservation and guide
Attractions: Caverns
A4 (closed in summer)
Departure: visitor center – locality Alberese
Length: 13 km
Walking time: 4 hours
Difficulty: hard, mandatory reservation and guide
Attractions: Cala di Forno
A5
Departure: visitor center – locality Alberese
Length: 5 km
Walking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions forest paths and wildlife – area 1
A6
Departure: center visits – places Alberese
Length: 5 km
Walking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: forest trails and wildlife – area 2
A7
Departure: parking – Marina di Alberese
Length: 5 km
Walking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Bocca d’Ombrone
P1 (closed in summer)
Departure: visitor center – locality Alberese
Length: 3 km
Walking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy – mandatory reservation and guide– minimum 8 people
Attractions: Birdwatching at Trapolla Tower
night travel
Departure: visitor center – locality Alberese
Length: 5 km
Walking time: 3 hours
Difficulty: easy – mandatory guide
Attractions: forest trails and wildlife
T1
Departure: visitor center – Talamone town
Length: 4 km
Walking time: 2.30 hours
Difficulty: medium
Attractions: Punta del Corvo
T2
Departure: visitor center – town Talamone
Length: 9 km
Walking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: hard
Attractions: Cannelle beach
T3
Departure: visitor center -Talamone town
Length: 16 km
Walking time: 8 hours
Difficulty: hard
Attractions: Cave Stoppa
Bicycle tours
A bicycle path of 8.5 Km connects the town of Marina di Alberese. Four different routes are also available, but it is mandatory to make a reservation and have a guide:
– Integration itineraries A6 and A7
– Alberese-beach-Collelungo Tower – Pineta Granducale-Marina di Alberese
– San Rabano – Alberese (challenging)
– San Rabano-beach-Collelungo Tower – Pineta Granducale-Marina di Alberese
Diaccia Botrona nature reserve
Area: Maremma
Municipalities: Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia (GR)
Visitor Center: Casa Ximenes – Castiglione della Pescaia
Type: nature conservation area with boat routes
It is a protected natural area characterized by a typical marsh environment, which occupies part of the plain between Castiglione della Pescaia and the city of Grosseto. The reserve is what remains of Lake Pile, a lake basin that originally occupied almost the entire area. The marshy area is between Bruna river and pine forest alongside the road Castiglione-Marina di Grosseto. The reserve gives shelter to a large number of wintering waterfowl; it is also a feature-rich flora and rare species abound. There are numerous species of birds, such as the purple heron, the marsh harrier, the flamingos, mallards and harriers. Rodents, porcupines, hares, reptiles and green frogs are part of the typical fauna.
At the center of the reserve, in Isola Clodia, there are traces of Roman times and the remains of the Abbey of San Pancrazio al Fango, of medieval origins. At the western end of the reserve is located the characteristic Red House, built by the engineer Leonardo Ximenes in the 18th century during remediation. Here, there is the Visitor Center of the reserve, the starting point of various nature trails. It is also possible to visit the marshy area by boat.
Pineta del Tombolo
Zone: Maremma
Municipalities: Grosseto e Castiglione della Pescaia (GR)
Type: Protected Natural Area
This area of Mediterranean woods stretches for about 15 Km along the Grosseto coast, north of the mouth of the Ombrone River, characterized by the presence of thousands of specimens of maritime pine and stone pine.
Formiche di Grosseto
Zone: Maremma
Municipality: Grosseto (GR) – Formiche Islands
Type: Islands of protected natural areas
These are three islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, directly across from the Grosseto coast. The islands are ideal for diving and fishing.
Locations near Grosseto
Marina di Grosseto
Alberese
Area: Maremma
Locality: Alberese
Type: rural town and seaside
The town lies at the center of the Natural Park of Maremma. The area was inhabited since prehistoric times: in some caves, including the Scoglietto, were found various tracks, some dating back to the Bronze Age, some of the Roman era. Etruscan and Roman remains have also been unearthed, respectively, in Poggio Raso and Santa Francesca delle Frasche. Currently, it is a modern town devoted to agriculture.
From the historical-cultural point of view it is worth visiting the Villa Granducale, ancient seat of the Knights of Malta, the ruins of the Abbey of San Rabano and the archaeological area of Scoglietto. The territory includes the coastal area – Marina di Alberese – located inside the Maremma Park. It is a very popular public beach and frequented by those who want solitude and contact with nature.
Istia d'Ombrone
Area: Maremma
Locality: Istia d’Ombrone
Type: hillside village
It is a charming village that retains many vestiges of the medieval period. The territory was inhabited since the ancient Etruscans and Romans. The current town originated from a fortified settlement located along the Ombrone Valley. In the 9th century, it was a possession of the bishops of Roselle and, in 1226, became a free municipality. During the 14th century, it became part of the Siena possessions. Shortly after the middle of the 16th century, Istia d’Ombrone was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and followed its fortunes until the Unification of Italy. Among the most impressive buildings, there are the original stone walls and the Palace of Justice, seat of the Podesta. In the town, there is also the church of San Salvatore (13th century), which contains works of art.
Nomadelfia
Area: Maremma
Locality: Nomadelfia
Type: village-religious community
The name comes from two Greek words, nomos and adelphia, and means “where the fraternity is the law.” The origins date back to the years following the Second World War, when the Catholic priest Don Zeno Saltini founded this community, which was inspired by the Acts of the Apostles, and that, in some respects, retrace the experience of the Israeli kibbutz or phalansteries. The resort includes land and residential buildings, as well as educational and religious ones, all used by families in the community.
Montepescali
Area: Maremma
Locality: Montepescali
Type: hillside village
The village is situated on top of a hill where you can enjoy the panorama of the Grosseto coast, the islands of the Tuscan archipelago and even Corsica. It is also known by the name of “Terrace” or “Balcony of the Maremma.” The village developed in the early Middle Ages as a fief of the Aldobrandeschi family. In 1627, it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Montepescali has preserved in excellent condition on the elliptical shape walls that completely enclose the old town.
The wall is crowned with several towers, huddled at regular intervals along the outer perimeter. The Belvedere Tower and the Tower of the Gascon are among the most significant, as well as the two entrances to the village, the Old Gate and the New Gate. Along the walls, there is also the bulwark with three points, added in the 16th century, that the restructuring measures have turned into a roof terrace. Noteworthy is also the Senese Castle, dating back to the medieval period and that includes the Clock Tower, now restored and used as a courthouse, and the church of St. Nicholas dating back to the 11th century in Romanesque style that contains a Sienese school frescoes from 1389, and a painting by Matteo di Giovanni (15th century). Finally, the Museum of Local History Il debranco Imberciadori, which exhibits a collection of agricultural machinery and tools of rural life. Currently, Montepescali has an oil production and quality wines.
Marina di Grosseto
Area: Maremma
Locality: Marina di Grosseto
Type: beach village
Marina di Grosseto is a seaside resort appreciated for its wide beaches and for its background of the Mediterranean vegetation. The town draws its origins from the setting of San Rocco (1793), when the Salt Tower was completed. During the same period, the San Rocco Forte (a coastal defense structure of the 18th century), and the Forte delle Marze, were built.
The resort was largely developed during the late 19th century. Marina di Grosseto has become highly urbanized since the beginning of the 20th century and currently also has a fully equipped marina. The wide beach has encouraged family tourism and has received the Blue Flag certification for the quality of the sea and tourism-environment. A bike path connects the village with Grosseto, Principina a Mare and Castiglione della Pescaia.
Principina a Mare
Area: Maremma
Locality: Principina a Mare
Type: beach village
Principina a Mare is situated on the border with the Natural Park of Maremma. It is a popular seaside resort for its wide beaches and the rich Mediterranean hinterland. The marshy area, called “Marshes of the Trap”, is ideal for bird watching, given the large number of marsh birds that overwinter in this area. The only historical monument is the Tower of the trap, an ancient medieval fortress used as a salt collection point in the following centuries. Principina received the Blue Flag certification for the quality of the sea and tourism-environment. The town has its own tourist port, the so-called Port of San Rocco. A bike path connects the village with Grosseto, Marina di Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia.
ART AND MUSEUMS
Grosseto museums
Archaeological Museum and Art of Maremma
Area: Maremma
Type: Etruscan and Roman archaeological museum and museum of sacred art
Address: Piazza Baccarini
It is located inside of the Palace of Justice, built in Renaissance style in the second half of the 19th century. It is divided into five distinct thematic sections, which collect the archaeological finds of Roselle, the Etruscan up to the 1st century AD. Of particular interest are the finds from the Roman period, those from the island of Giglio and Castiglione della Pescaia. Finally, also exposed are the early medieval finds and works of art from various churches, dating between the Middle Ages and the 19th century. The building also houses the Museum of Sacred Art of Grosseto that exposes religious works executed between the 13th and 19th century such as reliquaries, crucifixes and paintings by renowned artists like Sassetta, Andrea di Niccolò, Guido da Siena.
Museum of Natural History of Maremma
Area: Maremma
Type: Natural history museum
Address: Strada Corsini, 5
The museum has several collections that illustrate the history of Grosseto and Maremma, through fossils, mineral specimens and stuffed insects. Among the particularly unusual objects is a large selenite crystal (1.90 meters in height) and fluorescent minerals inserted in an interactive window. Of particular interest is the reconstruction of the Monte Amiata, at the time when it was an active volcano, and the Grosseto coast; also a diorama on the submerged island cave Argentarola, with a study of the stalactites and stalagmites on.
The museum has also preserved the skeleton of Oreopithecus bambolii, a rare species found in 1872 by French paleontologist Paul Gervais in Montebamboli. The animal has been dedicated an entire diorama, completed by the reconstruction of the flora and fauna of the time. The museum is completed with a specialist library, available on request or online.
Archaeological sites in the surrounding of Grosseto
Roselle archaeological park
Roselle archaeological park
Area: Maremma
Locality: Roselle
Type: Etruscan and Roman archaeological site
Roselle was founded by the Etruscans and developed from the 7th century BC, becoming also home to kings, reaching its peak from the 6th to the 5th century BC. In 294 BC, Roselle was conquered by Rome. Over the years, the Empire rose to the rank of colony and had a period of great splendor: the construction of the forum, the basilica, the amphitheater and the baths.
Once the Roman Empire fell, the city began its decline, due to looting during the Byzantine and then Lombard dominations, the spread of malaria, and the emergence of Grosseto. Between the end of the 18th and early 19th century, with the start of the extensive reclamation undertaken by the Grand Dukes of Habsburg-Lorraine, the area came to be inhabited and a village was soon formed again. Roselle is now a modern town that has developed mainly in the last two centuries. During summertime, art exhibitions and concerts are held in the Roman Theatre.
Between the 1950s and 1960s, the ancient Roselle site was fully excavated and then transformed into an archaeological park. It is divided into two parts, the so-called “Excavations of Roselle”, the oldest part situated above a relief, and “Roselle Baths”, the most modern section. Absolutely recommended to visit is the Roselle Archaeological Park: the Roman Amphitheatre, the Forum, the Domus of Mosaics, the Temple of Flamines, the thermal baths of the 1st century BC, the early Christian church of Santa Maria, the fortification of the Moscow River and Tino the Grand Ducal spas of the 19th century.
Since the 1950s, a long campaign of excavations brought to light the ancient Rusellae. This is an overlap of buildings and walls dating back to the Etruscan and Roman periods. It belongs to the first traces of cyclopean walls, built between the 7th and 6th century BC: the perimeter is over 3 Km, with an average height of about 7 meters. The Forum and the Basilica, a rainwater collection device and a thermal building belong to the Roman period. In addition, there are also traces of an amphitheater (1st century AD) and villas.
The Domus of mosaics dates back to the late Republican period of Rome. It was later enlarged and restored, as well as adorned by statues of Tiberius, Livia and Drusus Minor. The construction of the first thermal plant also dates back to the same period.
At the time of Emperor Hadrian, the domus was the subject of a new restructuring: the thermal environments and tablinium were embellished with mosaics. On the southern side of the Forum are the remains of the Temple of Flamines Augustales, which was built in imperial times (1st century AD). In the early Middle Ages, it was transformed into a place of Christian worship, dedicated to San Silvestro, and its existence is ascertained from 765.
Within the same archaeological site, in Poggio Mosconcino, are located the ruins of the church of Santa Maria in Roselle (also known as Santa Maria in Moscow), the early Christian cathedral of the town. It was built in the 8th century, outside the walls, over a pre-existing Roman bath complex. The interior was decorated with bas-reliefs now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Grosseto.
The church remained in operation until the 16th century, a time when it was finally abandoned. In this area, numerous Etruscan and Roman tombs, arranged in terraces at a constant distance, were also found. There, funerary objects have been found dating back to a later period (6th – 7th century AD).
Area dello Scoglietto
Area: Maremma
Locality: Alberese
Type: Roman archaeological site
Located about 3Km from the sea the Scoglietto, on the northernmost tip of the Monti dell’Uccellina. Traces of settlements followed one another from prehistory to the modern age. The excavations have brought to light a number of religious structures from the Roman period, dating from between the 1st century BC and half of the 4th century AD. Its conversion of the temples, for residential purposes, dates to the 5th century AD. Inside a hut, surrounded by a pit covered with wooden planks, fire ceramics and amphorae were found, along with lamps in sealed African soil dating from the late 4th century AD, and half of the 6th century AD. The Scoglietto area was abandoned as a result of a heavy fire, which left traces both inside the cabin and in the levels of collapsed buildings, which were presumed to have been for religious use.
WHAT TO DO
Events
Festa paesana
Type: reenactment
Locality: Alberese
When: May 1
Evocation of cowboys and other livestock producers that takes place in Alberese, where the branding of calves and breaking wild horses was common.
Maggiolate
Type: musical folklore
When: May
The so-called “Maggiolatori” sing songs of typical groups in eighth rhyme recalling a peasant tradition that was the hope for good agricultural year. There are also many exhibitions of pockmarks that recall scenes of everyday life through games, such as sports events, the joust of the Saracen and the tournament (or rodeo) rose.
Festa di San Lorenzo
Type: Religious
When: August 9
It is the feast of the patron saint of Grosseto. The most solemn part of the celebrations is a procession with the participation of the highest city authorities, a large group of residents and herdsmen in traditional clothing. The statue of the saint, placed on a cart pulled by oxen typical of Maremma, goes around the streets of the city, until it arrives to the Cathedral for the solemn blessing given by Bishop.
Estate Rosellana
Type: dance and theater
Locality: Roselle
When: August
In the Roman amphitheater of the Roselle archaeological site, concerts, performances of opera, dance, drama and theater performances usually take place. The amphitheater has excellent acoustics and many shows take place at sunset, taking advantage of the picturesque scenery, so to enhance the stage performances.
Cava Music Festival
Type: musical performances
Locality: Poggio Moscona
When: Summer
It is a series of concerts and shows with guests of national and international level, organized every summer. It takes place in the so-called “Park Stone”, also known as “La Cava”, an open-air theater that was created by transforming an old stone quarry.
Sport
Marina di Grosseto -swimming
Cricket, football, hockey, baseball, horseback riding
In Grosseto, there are numerous sports facilities dedicated to various sports. The main ones are:
Massimo Falsetti cricket field
Roberto Jannela Baseball stadium
Casalone racecourse
Carlo Zecchini Stadium
Stadio Carlo Zecchini
Cycling
In Grosseto, there are numerous bicycle routes through the entire municipality that link the towns in the surrounding area. The main trails are:
– Track Grosseto East: urban asphalt
– Track Grosseto-Marina di Grosseto: suburban pedestrian asphalt
– Track-Marina di Grosseto Castiglione della Pescaia: suburban pedestrian asphalt
– Track-Marina di Grosseto Principina a Mare: suburban pedestrian asphalt
– Track-Alberese Marina di Alberese-Bocca d’Ombrone: paved pedestrian in the Natural Park of Maremma
– Grosseto-Ponte Tura Track: pedestrian on gravel along the Ombrone River
GASTRONOMY
Typical food
Fettucine alla maremmana
Acquacotta
Schiaccia alla pala
Crushes with onions and salted anchovies
Typical products
Maremma meat
Olive oil from the hills of Maremma
CULTURE
History of Grosseto
Piazza Dante
The land of the Butteri
The origins of Grosseto date back to the High Middle Ages. The town is mentioned for the first time in 803, when the ancient church of San Giorgio, and many of his possessions, were granted to Ildebrando Aldobrandeschi. The successors extended their domains over the entire area and there were accounts of the Maremma until the end of the 12th century. In 1151, the city lent oath to Siena. In 1204, the “Bill of Rights” was completed; this was a statute that regulated the relationships between citizens and the Aldobrandeschi family.
Between 1259 and 1328, Grosseto was in arms on several occasions against the dominion of Siena, but eventually gave up in 1336. The next period was characterized by progressive deterioration, due to pestilences and the raids of Turkish pirates. In 1552, Grosseto succeeded in expelling the Spanish militias that had seized much of the territory. By the end of the independence of Siena, the city became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The Medici Grand Dukes began the construction of new roads, but the flat areas around the city remained afflicted by the endemic problem of malaria and other infectious diseases.
Only when the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty took office at the helm of the state (1737), the city was administratively separated from Siena and was granted the independence. Soon, the Grand Duke Ferdinando III and his successor Leopold II, undertook extensive land reclamation and, the rehabilitation of the plain, finally solved the problem of unhealthy lake areas. Currently, Grosseto is a growing urban center, equipped with all the amenities of a modern city and active, especially in the summer.
Curiosity
Film
Many movies have been filmed in the municipal area. Among the most successful:
The Easy Life (1962),
An Ideal Place to Kill (1971),
Nothing left to do but cry (1984),
Bonus Malus (1993),
Artemisia-extreme Passion (1997),
Pinocchio (2002),
The open window (2007),
Manual of love 3 (2011)
Summer Games (2011),
Like the wind (2013).
Frederick II of Swabia holidays
Frederick II of Swabia, Emperor of the Holy Roman German Empire, had a habit of moving to Grosseto to spend the winter months, certainly in the years between 1243 and 1246, during which he practiced falconry.
TOURIST SERVICES
Where to sleep in Grosseto
Resort
Country Resort Guadalupe
Strada del Bozzone – locality Braccagni – 58100 Grosseto
tel: +39 0564 329258
www.guadaluperesort.it
info@guadaluperesort.it
Services: 16 apartments from studios to four rooms with air conditioning, telephone, TV, wi-fi, safe and kitchenette, breakfast room, TV room, meeting and parties, meeting room for up to 200 participants; swimming pool with Jacuzzi, children’s garden, games room, billiard room, collective laundry, nature trail
Wedding: complete organization (reception buffet, outdoor dining or indoor dining room for 200 people, brunch, cocktail party, chocolate party
Shopping
Windsurfing and kitesurfing
fiberglass products (motorcycle helmets)
Sportswear