There are many reasons, including the seven below, why Maremma, in southwestern Tuscany, should be included in any itinerary in that stunning region of Italy, including its accessibility from both Florence and Rome.
- Physical landscape
- Towns and cities
- Ancient traditions
- Slow food
- Festivals
- Archaeological sites
- Break
Maremma has a wild and diverse natural landscape that includes rolling hills covered in pine, chestnut, beech and oak forests, as well as unspoiled and secluded beaches along its 250 kilometers of spectacular coastline. There are karst lakes with geothermal jets, salt marshes and estuaries, some preserved as natural parks with a great variety of bird species, and then there are the Metalliferous Hills that surround the Gulf of Fullonica.
Its quiet hilltop villages like Pitigliano, with its towers, churches, stone houses, winding streets and artistic heritage, evoke the medieval and Renaissance periods. Along the coastal areas of the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea are charming fishing villages such as Castiglione della Pescaia and Talamone, where time seems to have stood still.
Life in Maremma is simple but rich. It moves to the old rhythms and many of the old ways still flourish. One such tradition is that of the butteri, the shepherds of Maremma. The butteri once handled the area’s distinctive longhorn cattle, and one might be lucky enough to see it during festivals and on special occasions.
There is an inseparable connection between past traditions, ancient recipes and its slow food specialties like acquacotta, a delicious vegetable soup, and papadelle al sugo di cinghiale, a local pasta and wild boar sauce. The area is also known for its organic veal, caprini goat cheeses, extra virgin olive oil and honey. The wines of the area have tended to be ignored, but local vintners are now producing some of the most interesting at prices well below those of Tuscany. One to try is Morellino di Scansano.
Throughout the year there are many historical and cultural festivals. El Balestro del Girifalco is a medieval contest with costumes, banner launching and target shooting competition between 24 crossbowmen that takes place on the 4th Sunday of May and the 2nd Sunday of August in Massa Marittima.
Maremma is known for its ancient sites dating back to the time of the Etruscans (7th-4th centuries BC), who gave Tuscany their name and extensively mined copper and other minerals. They were known in pre-Roman times for their cities, expertise in metal products, and advanced industrial development.
The Maremma offers beautiful beaches, as well as many opportunities for nature enthusiasts, especially in the 17,000 hectare Parco Dell’Uccellini, where the visitor can meet wild boars, deer, falcons, peregrines and seasonal birds. The Mountain Commission of the area has created a network of 400 kilometers of trails through the Upper Maremma that allow hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
The Maremma is a relatively unknown part of Tuscany that has a lot to offer from its wild scenery, architectural and historical gems, farm-fresh cuisine, and fine wine.