The capital of Tuscany's largest province has a well-preserved 16th-century hexagonal wall enclosing its medieval center, with narrow streets and Renaissance buildings.
Grosseto, the capital of Tuscany's Maremma region, lies 14 kilometers inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea. You can walk the complete circuit of its 16th-century Medici Walls, visit the pink-and-white marble Cathedral of San Lorenzo, or examine ancient Etruscan artifacts at the Archaeological Museum. When you venture beyond the city limits, you'll find the pine forests and sandy beaches of the Regional Park of Maremma.
Walking the Medici Walls
The 3-kilometer hexagonal wall system from 1557 remains almost completely intact, with six arrow-shaped bastions at its corners. You can walk or cycle the entire perimeter on tree-lined paths and visit the restored Cassero Senese fortress, which now houses the Tourist Office and temporary exhibitions. From the elevated walkway, you'll see the old town's terracotta roofs and the surrounding countryside.
Exploring Piazza Dante
The main square sits at the center of Grosseto's medieval district. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo's pink and white marble facade stands on one side, while the neo-medieval Palazzo Aldobrandeschi's burnt-sienna brickwork and Gothic windows occupy another. Local residents meet at the cafes and shops under the square's porticoes throughout the day.
Archaeological Discoveries at Museo Archeologico
The Archaeological Museum of Maremma displays Etruscan artifacts dating from the Villanova period through Roman times, including items excavated from nearby Roselle. After recent renovations, you can follow chronological displays that explain the region's ancient history.
Beaches and Nature
Marina di Grosseto serves as the city's main beach area, with wide sandy beaches extending for kilometers alongside Mediterranean pine forests. The Regional Park of Maremma's hiking trails lead through the Uccellina mountains and along the coastline. Within the park's 9,000 hectares, you'll pass working farms, wetlands, and protected beaches where local wildlife roams.
Local Food and Wine
Vineyards in the hills produce Morellino di Scansano wine. The local cuisine includes wild boar, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables from nearby farms. Restaurants near the coast serve fresh seafood, while inland establishments prepare cured meats and sheep's milk cheese. Many agriturismi (farm stays) cook with ingredients grown on their property.
Getting Around
You can reach Grosseto by train from Rome, Pisa, and Florence on the main coastal line. Walking works best for exploring the city center inside the walls. Local buses run between the city and Marina di Grosseto and other coastal areas. Most visitors arrive by train or car, as Grosseto Baccarini Airport mainly serves private aircraft.
