Tuscany Surroundings

The Maremman Natural Regional Park was founded in 1975; however, in spite of its reduced dimensions (approx. 10,000 ha) and the small amount of time that it has been in existence, in a short period of time, it has become a reference point for an ever growing number of people

In 1993, the Park of Maremma was honored with the European Park Diploma issued by the European Council.A visit to the Park surely offers an enjoyable and formative experience; however, limiting oneself to only one visit could be anticlimatic as the park is not a zoo - the animals are free in their natural habitat and unfortunately not always at our disposition.

The origins of Pitigliano, one of the principle hilltop towns of the Grosseto countryside, date back to the Bronze Age. The presence of the Etruscan civilization is evident in the remains of ancient necropolises and above all in the "Via Cave:" streets carved from tufa, volcanic rock; a dominant geological element of this territory.Pitigliano, throughout the various eras, haschanged hands many times:from the Aldobrandeschi to the earldom of the Orsini family until the XVII century when it became part of the Medici Grand Duchy of Tuscany and subsequently that of the Lorena family.Situated in a territorial environment rich in natural and historical-archaeological sites, Pitigliano represents an ideal starting point for unforgettable excursions. Moreover, our guests will find an assortment of high-quality wines chosen among eight DOC wines produced by the Province of Grosseto territories and cared for by the Sommelier, Signora Daniela, who is always available in the Agritourism to give advice and interesting bits of information about the world of wine, as she is part of the family that owns the business.

Of very ancient origins, perhaps even prior to that of the Etruscan civilization, Saturnia with its steamy springs has been enveloped in mystery and legend, and the exceptional therapeutic virtues of its waters had already been appreciated during the period of the Romans.

Today, Saturnia is a tranquil and hospitable village immersed in a pleasant and suggestive landscape.

The thermal baths, restored around the second half of the last century and gradually restored and enlarged over the course of the years, are renowned in all of the world for their homeothermal and radioactive sulphuric waters recommended for rheumatism, metabolic diseases, gastric and respiratory ailments and in general, anti-stress therapy.

The city rises above a small peninsula surrounded by Levante and Ponente Lagoons, divided by an artificial breakwater that since 1841 has united the city at the promontory of Monte Argentario. The lagoons are enclosed by two strips of land called the Feniglia and Giannella landstrips and offer visitors kilometers of enchanting beaches.
Orbetello is positioned in a unique and spectacular environment, unique especially in regard to its topography.In fact, when viewed from above, it looks like the bow of a ship anchored in the lagoon's placid waters and united to the Argentarian promontory by the breakwater. It functions almost as a catwalk, allowing one to go ashore. Raffaele Del Rosso, in paraphrasing Gabriele D'Annunzio's opinion of Venice, called it Anadiomene City, meaning city that rises from the sea.In fact, it is most likely the reason that Orbetello for this particular geographic conformation, has always been considered perfect territory for the conquering, having among the centuries belonged to the Aldobrandeschis, Spanish, Austrians, French, Lorena and moreover to the Abbey of the Three Fountains.The origin of its name raises many questions:Orvelus, Urva Tellus or Urbis Tellus?"Circular City," "City of Herbs" or "Urban City?"Still today, its origins remain a mystery, and had Piccinino in 1455, not raided the Archives, perhaps many doubts would have been resolved by this time.
In the zone of the Giannella landstrip, one can find a large variety of migratory birds.Here one can spot pink flamingos, creatures of rare beauty that contribute to an already particular landscape.Right in the center of the landstrip the WWF manages an environmental education center from a Spanish Farmhouse dated '600.From the seaside, the landstrip extends for kilometers of very fine sand until the mouth of the Albegna river, separated by the road that acts as a furrow, characterized by thick Mediterranean bramble.
The Feniglia landstrip is the undisputed kingdom of varying shades of green and of the refreshing aroma of Mediterranean bramble intensified by the presence of luxurious pinewoods that offerreviving shade for the inland.In this protected environment, numerous animal species live in complete freedom.And in fact, while travelling along the road, it is not unusual to sight a herd of deer at pasture.Limpid waters lapping a beach of golden sand complete the scenario of this strip of paradise.

Castiglione della Pescaia, an ancient village overlooking the sea is located between Punta Ala and Marina di Grosseto. The ancient part is a balcony over the Tyrrhenian Sea.It is the site of a tourist port that offers daily excursions to the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.

Castiglione della Pescaia vaunts very ancient origins:the first traces of populations in this zone date back to approximately 60,000 years ago, while the first urban settlement was situated in Vetulonia, the ancient city that the Etruscans founded near Lake Prile (no longer in existence).Instead, the Romans founded the village of Salebrone, famous for its mild climate, lake teeming with fish and surroundings rich in game.After the fall of the Roman Empire and the Barbarian raids, in 962 Castiglione was given to Pisa by Ottone I of Sassonia, Emperor of Germany.Pisa took advantage of the wealth, however neglected to take care of the shelving of the port and of the waters of Lake Prile, which became stagnant and led to rising malarial epidemics.

Monte Argentario was most likely in origin an island subsequently "anchored" to the Tyrrhenian coast by the Feniglia and Giannella landstrips, and formed by the accumulation of silt transported by the rivers and sea currents.The first human settlement surely dates back to a distant era, confirmed by the numerous archaeological artifacts recovered both in the Cave of Straits and in that of the Cala dei Santi.Many of the caverns were inhabited, one of which was rather capacious:the "Cave of the Grand Duke," called by this name in honor of Leopoldo of Lorena, over one km in length, which during its excavation revealed a small lake 50 m from the entrance. In regard to its geographical position, which places it at the center of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Argentario was considered a ecure landing place by the first navigators.Of extraordinary strategic value, the Promontory was equipped with look-out towers and signals in order to better face the constant danger of raids by sea, among which should be remembered that of Pirate Khair ad Din called "Redbeard," who in 1544 plundered and looted the village of Porto Ercole. The very first works of a defensive nature date back to the Bronze Age; however, only in the XV century under the rule of the Republic of Siena did a real defensive system that globally involved the coast of the Promontory begin to take form.Anyway, credit goes to the Spanish for having, in just a few years time, transformed Monte Argentario into a powerful war machine with a formidable fortified complex, superior in number and quality to that of any other in existence in Tuscany.In this manner, the State of Command was instituted that included Orbetello, Porto Ercole, Porto S. Stefano and Talamone, to which, in 1602 the fortified town of Porto Longone on Elba Island was added.The Promontory, entirely mountainous (635 m) is characterized by steep, rocky coasts, where one can admire the famous dwarf palm tree that spontaneously grows on site and is covered in thick Mediterranean bramble that alternates with olive, wine and fruit tree cultivation.The Argentarian economy, once exclusively based on fishing, now finds its main resource in tourism. Monte Argentario era probabilmente in origine un'isola successivamente "ancorata" alla costa tirrenica dai tomboli della Feniglia e della Giannella, formatisi per l'accumolo dei detriti trasportati dai fiumi e dalle correnti marine. Il primo insediamento umano all'Argentario risale certamente ad epoche remote, lo attestano i numerosi reperti archeologici rinvenuti sia nella Grotta degli Stretti che in quella di Cala dei Santi. Sono molte le spelonche che furono abitate, una delle quali molto capiente: lunga oltre 1 Km, la "Grotta del Granduca", cosi' chiamata in onore di Leopoldo di Lorena che ne promosse gli scavi, presenta anche un laghetto a 50 metri dall'ingresso.

When travelling the road from Castiglione della Pescaia in the direction of Follonica, upon reaching the site of Pian d'Alm, turn left. Punta Ala has no need for introductions, as it is one of the most exclusive tourist locations of the Tyrrhenian coast; it is enough to recall that Punta Ala was the site for the training headquarters of the Luna Rossa. Punta Ala is one of the most successful post-war tourist locations:"discretely" positioned among vast pinewoods, it offers visitors immaculate paths, landscaped lawns and flowerbeds, and diligently cared for elegant gardens. Its port, which offers 900 exclusive boat slots is an important tourist facility that provides the possibility for boat, motorboat and yacht rental with or without a sailor. Also notable is its golf course, one of the largest in Europe, and host of important tournaments.

Siena is situated upon three hills between the Arbia and Elsa Springs.It is an agricultural and industrial center, rich in works of art and monuments and is the site of the famous Palio.

The province offers something special for its visitors on a year-round basis:fresh mountain air during the summer months, winter skiing, and natural wonders and delights in Spring and Autumn.Founded by the Etruscans, Siena was a Roman colony during the period of Augustus. It became an Episcopal site in '700 after the Longobard occupation; however, in the XI century, it declared itself a secular municipality.

Bitter fighting divided Siena from Firenze in such a way that the latter in 1260 was defeated at Montaperti.After having been governed by many seignories, the city fell under imperial rule and became a part of the Medici State, then it belonged to the Lorenese until 1859, the date in which it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.