Nestled in the middle of a vast plain crossed by the Ombrone River, just a few kilometres from the sea, the city is enclosed by its Medicean Walls. Grosseto is one of the few cities in Italy to have preserved its original defensive structure, which allows you to fully appreciate the entire old town and the surrounding settlement from the ramparts and avenues. As a demonstration of its Etruscan origin, the city’s emblem is a winged griffin, an animal venerated by the ancient pre-Roman people.
Anyone who chooses Grosseto for the sea knows they'll find crystal clear waters and a coastline with unpolluted and perfectly equipped beaches awarded the Blue Flag year after year. Marina di Grosseto and Principina a Mare are the best known and most popular seaside resorts, thanks to the wide beaches overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the extensive pine forests that surround them. There are also many opportunities for sport along the Grosseto coast, in the sea, on the beach and in dedicated facilities. Cycling, horse riding and hiking fans have probably already tried the many cycling, riding and hiking trails in the area. The bravest among them will not want to miss the canoe trips down the river to the open sea.
For food and wine lovers, the Maremma offers ancient flavours and culinary traditions associated with a wholesome cuisine that uses simple but delicious ingredients. Grosseto offers fun and entertainment for young and old in its beautiful parks and nature reserves: a picnic or even a simple walk in the shade of a tree-lined avenue will make your day even more special.
If you're interested in history and architecture, Grosseto will definitely not disappoint! With archaeological sites, Etrusco-Roman necropolis and medieval hamlets, there is no lack of choice! As mentioned, Grosseto is one of the few cities that still retains its original walls, built by the Medici in the sixteenth century. Work on the military structure lasted for about twenty years and encircled the city with a two thousand nine hundred metre perimeter wall including six corner bastions, one of which (the Bastione Fortezza, with the two bastions facing inwards) includes the oldest Sienese Fortress. The latter was built in 1344, by decision of the Republic of Siena, to defend the city from external attacks and internal revolts, and was connected - through the curtain walls - with three further fortresses. In the central part of the Medici Fortress - a real military citadel designed to house a garrison and to perform guard and defensive functions - and next to the headquarters of the military governor's fortress, there were barracks, a hospital, food stores and the Santa Barbara chapel on the Piazza d'Armi, with an octagonal well in the middle. The Pozzo della Fortezza (Fortress Well) is not the only one in Grosseto: the Pozzo della Bufala and Pozzo Spedale, from the sixteenth century, are also historical monuments.
From unbridled fun, both day and night, to total relaxation at the beach or in the open air, surrounded by nature, holidays in Grosseto are a great remedy to the stress of big city life. As for events on the city’s squares and live performances, the climax is the Notte bianca (literally “sleepless night”), the longest night of the summer, when you can enjoy shows, concerts, festivals and other events until the early hours all over the city and along the coast. What else are you waiting for? Take a look at our holiday packages to Grosseto today and get ready for your next exciting adventure!