in italiano

Grosseto

Grosseto

A modern and tranquil city, Grosseto is a very historic area boasting many archaeological artefacts from Etruscan times and picturesque settlements all of which have maintained their original medieval structure.

In the old city centre, inside the 16th century walls which surround the city, there is a large swamp area which was hugely contaminated by Malaria. This consequently delayed the development of the city, which resumed only after a final drainage of the land had been completed towards the second half of the century.

During Medieval times, from the 12th century onwards, Grosseto was famous for being a major centre for salt production. This advantage resulted in many attempts by surrounding cities to conquer Grosseto, particularly by Siena who actually succeeded in conquering the city in the 14th century, destroying the original town-walls in the process.

However, as a testament to the past wealth of the city, the churches of the city remain including the San Lorenzo Cathedral, the San Francesco church and the San Pietro church, which date back to the 10th century. The façade of the cathedral was rebuilt during the course of the 11th century, although keeping its original Romanesque style with its horizontal decorations in two colours that is typical of Tuscan churches (particularly the red marble from Caldana instead of the darker marble from Northern Tuscany).

The archaeological sites of Grosseto demonstrate a strong presence of the ancient Etruscan culture in this part of Tuscany. The population were helped, both back then and during the following Medieval period, by the natural features of their land. For example, the limestone, a chalkstone which is easy to work with and remains extremely resistant over time, can be found throughout this province.

In the area located between Saturnia, Sorano and Manciano there remain many cemeteries which (the area being named city of the dead in Greek because of such burial chambers) are dug into the limestone, serving as further evidence of the ancient Etruscan civilization in the area. The feature that is most typical of this area is the quarries, which consist of narrow tunnels which link various settlements together, several of which were previously unaccessible by road because of the vegetation which hangs down along the sides of the roads and the water which leaks from the nearby walls.

In addition, the current residential areas within the zone are also worth a visit, with their medieval structure and strong 16th century defensive walls still intact. For example, Pitigliano sits on the high limestone walls with houses and an aqueduct which seem to follow the path of the overhanging rocks.

Those seeking picturesque villages cannot miss a visit to the enchanting Massa Marittima, which is a fairy-tale village full of red stone Romanesque buildings. An example of these buildings can be found in Piazza del Duomo where the San Cerbone Cathedral, the Palazzo dell'Abbondanza, Palazzo Pretorio and the Palazzo Comunale can all be found (as well as numerous bars where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere).

Not too far away from Massa Marittima is San Galgano, where you can see the famous Eremo di Monte Siepi. It is said that, after a desolate life, Galgano, the founding saint of the retreat, received a visit from the archangel Gabriel in his dream. In this dream, Gabriel pushed him to change his life and to dedicate himself to a life of ascetical prayer. As a symbol of his decision to change, Galgano forcefully thrusted a sword into a rock, which is still there today, featured within a protected display in the centre of the monastery.

Very few people know that the word marittimo, which is featured in the names of many centres within the area, which are, in fact, far away from the sea, actually means that the place is part of the Maremma. The Maremma, with its greenery, its herds and its butteri (legendary Tuscan shepherds, renowned for their talents), is one of the most fascinating areas in the region, both for its views and its local produce. It is famed for producing high quality wines such as Morellino di Scansano and the Bianco di Pitigliano along with other excellent products from the area including sheeps' milk cheese, meat, oil, honey, cereal, and finally, chestnuts from Monte Amiata, a speciality that is protected by the acknowledgement of its geographic origin.

· Accommodation in Tuscany: :

San Vincenzo a Torri 2227 Weekly Price: Min. € 1.600,00 Max. € 1.600,00 Number of Beds: 7

San Gimignano 1660 Weekly Price: Min. € 700,00 Max. € 1.316,00 Number of Beds: 20

Castelfiorentino 685 Weekly Price: Min. € 370,00 Max. € 870,00 Number of Beds: 31

Colle Val d 403 Weekly Price: Min. € 400,00 Max. € 1.000,00 Number of Beds: 30