Grosseto

The historic center is enclosed by a medieval city wall that is completely intact and beautifully preserved. Consisting of a series of bastions, the walls form a 1.9-mile or 3-kilometer hexagonal perimeter, providing access to the city center through 2 gates, the Porta Vecchia and Porta Corsica.

Inside the city walls, it’s worth visiting Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza Dante, where the striking white and pink marble façade of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo stands out. Built in the 12ᵗʰ century, it is the city’s most important monument. 
The interior of the Cathedral has a Latin cross plan, counting 3 naves, with the central nave ending in a semicircular apse. The interior houses interesting sculptures, such as the imposing baptismal font in marble by Antonio Ghini.

You can then admire the Cassero Senese, 1 of the 4 bastions built along the city walls, constructed during the period of Sienese rule and completed in 1345. While strolling along the ramparts, don’t miss a visit to the Church and Convent of San Francesco.

A great way to discover the secrets of a little-known city rich in history is certainly a visit to the Museum of Maremma Archaeology and Art. The historic center of Grosseto is also home to Le Clarisse Cultural Center, which houses both the new Gianfranco Luzzetti Collection Museum—featuring masterpieces ranging from the 14ᵗʰ to 19ᵗʰ century, comprising paintings and sculptures—as well as the Clarisse Arte exhibition space, dedicated to contemporary exhibitions and home to a documentation center. Finally, we recommend heading to the Natural History Museum of the Maremma, with its artifacts, rocks, minerals and environmental reconstructions.

A stroll along Corso Carducci, the main street in the historic center stretching from Piazza del Duomo to Porta Nuova, is definitely recommended so you can take in the view of the city’s many historic buildings and perhaps partake in some shopping.

Southern Maremma is a wild land, dominated by unspoiled nature, with Mediterranean scrub filling the air with its fragrances from the hills all the way to the crystal-clear sea.

There are several protected natural areas in the region, the most important of which is undoubtedly the Maremma Regional Park, a 22240-acre or 9,000-hectare green oasis that stretches along the coastline between Principina a Mare and Talamone. Most of the park consists of the Monti dell’Uccellina, running parallel to the coast, while the northern part near the mouth of the Ombrone River features flatter terrain. You can explore the park on foot, there being various trails for hiking and Nordic walking. Then there are routes for cycling, horseback riding, carriage rides, canoeing and even donkey rides. 

6.2 miles or 10 kilometers north of Grosseto lies the most important archaeological site in the Maremma: the ruins of Roselle. This is 1 of the 12 Etruscan city-states, whose remnants are of exceptional historical importance because they bear witness to the transition from Etruscan to Roman culture.

Other areas and attractions near Grosseto that are worth exploring include Principina a Mare, a small village particularly beloved for its crystal-clear sea, and the Argentario area, known and appreciated for the uniqueness of its landscape, its marine environment and its Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole fishing villages.

If you travel north, rather, you’ll find Castiglione della Pescaia, a medieval village perched on Monte Petriccio, rich in picturesque views and panoramic vistas, as well as a seaside resort and marina.

In addition, some truly interesting projects have been underway for several years now in the Grosseto area that offer services to boost accessibility, even on the beach.

Every year, Grosseto hosts Italy’s only country festival, the Game Fair, an event dedicated to outdoor activities that offers 3 days surrounded by nature, featuring hunting traditions, sport shooting, horseback riding and dog sports.
On the night of San Lorenzo, the traditional procession in central Grosseto winds through the historic city center, led by a cart pulled by Maremma oxen from Alberese, traveling along the traditional pass and followed by cowboys on horseback.

Tortelli Maremmani is a traditional pasta dish, much-loved in Grosseto and throughout the Maremma region. What sets these pasta forms apart is their shape and size. Don’t be misled by the name “tortelli” as they are actually “ravioli” filled with spinach or Swiss chard.