15 Mar What to see in Grosseto, the heart of Maremma
During the summer of 2022, thanks to my job, I had the opportunity to visit many beautiful villages in the Monte Amiata area (HERE the article) but especially in the Province of Grosseto. Villages that tell so much about the history of the place and hide so many treasures. One of the days of my outings, however, I wanted to dedicate it to discovering Grosseto and all the things that can be visited in one day in the city.
Located in the heart of Maremma, on a plain crossed by the Ombrone River not far from the coast, Grosseto is the perfect city to visit for those who like to walk and not move too much by transportation. In fact, its historic center is enclosed within imposing walls and all the attractions to visit are gathered within a short distance of each other. Things like the wonderful Cathedral with its treasures, the Archaeological Museum with its many Etruscan artifacts, the Natural History Museum, etc... As mentioned earlier all of this is surrounded by the majestic walls that even today are walkable in a relaxing walk that will show you the city from different perspectives.
In short Grosseto is a real gem and is in my opinion one of the most underrated destinations in Tuscany. That's why I decided to write this one-day itinerary that will encapsulate inside all the things to see in Grosseto and allow you to discover this little gem. At the bottom of the article you will also find directions on how to get to Grosseto, the most useful parking lots near the historic center, and also other beautiful places to visit near the city.
I also thank the City of Grosseto for providing me with some of the beautiful photos from its Photographic Archive.
HAVEN'T YOU READ THE ARTICLE ABOUT VILLAGES TO VISIT ON MONTE AMIATA YET ??
WHAT TO SEE IN GROSSETO, COMPLETE LIST OF ATTRACTIONS
CHURCH OF SAN PIETRO
The first thing I recommend you see in Grosseto is the Church of San Pietro. Although from the outside it looks like nothing and especially not visible think that this is the oldest urban evidence of the city. Over the years it has been much remodeled although some ancient parts are still there. Examples are the apse with the arches but especially the four bas-reliefs from the Byzantine period on the facade. In short in the walk to get to the main square of Grosseto this little church is a must to visit/see.
MAREMMA ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ART MUSEUM
Before you get towards Piazza Dante, I suggest you stop and visit what I think is themost important attraction in Grosseto and also in the area, the Maremma Museum of Archaeology and Art. Inside there are several archaeological sections ranging from Prehistory to the Middle Ages and the body of works from the Diocesan Collection of Sacred Art. In the first section of the museum you will find numerous Etruscan objects from the ancient city of Roselle all arranged chronologically. Examples are grave goods, wine amphorae, small sculptures, etc... In addition to this there are also artifacts from other archaeological sites in the Maremma. The second section of the Maremma Museum of Archaeology and Art houses liturgical apparatus and all the works from churches scattered throughout the Diocese of Grosseto.
Admission to the museum is chargeable and the full ticket costs €5.00. It is possible to visit the Maremma Museum of Archaeology and Art from Tuesday to Sunday; the closing day is Monday. For information and hours in detail, however, I will leave you HERE the museum's page.
DANTE ALIGHIERI SQUARE
Having visited the beautiful and very interesting Maremma Museum of Archaeology and Art, the time has come to walk to the city's main square, Piazza Dante. It is the heart of Grosseto's historic center and is a typical Italian square enclosed by porticoes and surrounded by elegant buildings. One of these is the beautiful Palazzo della Provincia built in the early 20th century following the Sienese style in the Middle Ages. In the center of Piazza Dante Alighieri is the Canapone Monument depicting Grand Duke Leopold II in the act of crushing the head of a snake (a representation of malaria).
CATHEDRAL OF GROSSETO
From Piazza Dante Alighieri turn left and you will be facing the wonderful Duomo, a must-see attraction in Grosseto. Dedicated to San Lorenzo, the cathedral was begun in 1294 by Sozzo di Pace Rustichini according to the Gothic forms then in vogue. Over the years it then underwent numerous modifications that made it lose its identity (but not its beauty) a little bit. The facade has three portals and a large rose window and is marked by alternating colors of white and red. The interior of Grosseto Cathedral is Latin cross with three naves divided by pillars. Among the most interesting works you can admire are the Baptismal Font by Antonio Ghini, historiated Gothic windows, and a beautiful painting by Matteo di Giovanni. Particularly beautiful then is the portal with many sculptural decorations.
Access to Grosseto Cathedral is free every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. However, if you would like to attend a Holy Mass, I leave the link HERE with the times in detail.
WALLS OF GROSSETO
After visiting the marvelous Grosseto Cathedral set out toward the ancient Porta Corsica to climb the Ancient Walls and start a long and pleasant walk (in my opinion the most beautiful thing to do in Grosseto). They are a rare example of city walls that have survived intact to the present day. They present a development in theshape of an irregular hexagon at the corners of which are five bastions and the fortress. All this was accomplished by 1593 by enveloping the previous urban core. The walls are also bounded externally by navigable moats. The eastern bastion forms the Fortezza Medicea, which incorporates the ancient Sienese Cassero. Beginning in the 1800s the walls were put to public use and then embellished with tree-lined avenues and gardens with fountains. All this, precisely, you can admire on your long walk.
MAREMMA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Once you have completed the beautiful walk on the walls of Grosseto, the time has come to continue to the next attraction. Head down near the Cassero Senese to reach the Maremma Museum of Natural History. This museum is very often overlooked, but instead it really deserves a thorough visit. It is divided on three floors and represents in a modern and engaging way the nature of the Maremma in its most fascinating and interesting aspects. The spaces are very large and bright and house different types of exhibits differentiated by topic. In addition to this, the museum carries out various educational workshops, activities and events with a scientific theme. In short, the Maremma Natural History Museum is a must-visit attraction in Grosseto and is suitable for both adults and children.
The museum has hours divided by season which you can check by visiting the official page that I leave HERE. As for the ticket, it costs 5.00€ and 3.00€ reduced.
CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS
This beautiful church looks like a simple building but is actually a real treasure chest and must-see on what to visit in Grosseto. It stands in the Piazza di San Francesco of the same name above an earlier Benedictine building. The interior has a single nave covered by a trussed ceiling. Among the most interesting works you'll find the frescoes painted by Antonio and Francesco Nasini but especially the Crucifix on panel hanging above the high altar and attributed to Duccio di Boninsegna. On the left side of the church the cloister encloses a well from the 1500s.
The Church of St. Francis can be visited free of charge every day (except the cloister which is closed) from 07:00 to 19:00. If you want to attend a Holy Mass instead, this is celebrated on weekdays at 07:30 and 19:00 while on holidays at 07:30, 11:00 and 19:00.
ARCHAEOLOGY GARDEN
The Garden of Archaeology is located behind the Church of St. Francis and can be accessed from the entrance at 43 Via Ginori. Opened in 2017, its interior houses various archaeological stone artifacts that were previously found in other areas of the city. You can admire marble basins, sarcophagi, tools for agricultural activity and architectural elements.
HOW TO GET THERE AND WHERE TO PARK IN GROSSETO
The city of Grosseto is easily accessible by car as it is connected to the State Highway SS223, which in turn is connected to major arterial roads such as the E80 Aurelia and the Florence-Siena. The fastest and cheapest method, however, in my opinion, is by train as the train station is within walking distance of the historic center. By train if you come from the north you will have to take a change in Pisa or Livorno. From the south, on the other hand, there are many more direct regional trains from Rome. If you decide to visit Grosseto by car, consider that its historic center is completely bounded by the ZTL.. For this reason you have to be careful where you pass and where to park your vehicle. In any case, I leave you below some useful parking areas for visiting this beautiful city.
1) Porta Corsica parking lot: open 24 hours a day, rate €0.70 per hour, 103 uncovered spaces available.
2) Vallo degli Arcieri parking lot: open 24 hours a day, free parking, 205 uncovered spaces available.
3) Piazza de Maria parking lot: open 24 hours a day except Thursdays from 06:30 to 16:30 for the market, rate €0.70 per hour, 314 uncovered spaces available.
4) Piazza Caduti di Nassiria parking lot: open 24 hours a day, rate €0.70 per hour, 240 indoor spaces available.
WHAT TO VISIT NEAR GROSSETO
1) Roselle: about 8 km from Grosseto here you can visit the archaeological site of the ancient Etruscan city. Remains of exceptional value such as the amphitheater, the basilica, the domus of mosaics, the baths district, the porticoes, etc...
2) Maremma Park: in Alberese about 19 km from Grosseto there is this very large protected area where you can admire the flora and fauna of the Maremma.
3) Montepescali: a small medieval village about 18 km from Grosseto. Here you can see the wonderful city walls with traces of two gates and interspersed with towers. In addition to this there is also the Clock Tower and the beautiful Church of San Lorenzo.
4) Batignano: located about 17 km from Grosseto and here part of the city walls with a couple of towers and the keep are still discernible.
5) Castiglione della Pescaia: about 24 km from Grosseto its historic village with a view of the sea will completely enrapture you. Inaccessible to cars it is all gathered around an old manor and preserves the traces of a long history.
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If you want to become a child again for a few hours then I recommend playing a scavenger hunt. Beatrice made one right in Grosseto! Let's see if you can find all the clues! To start playing CLICK HERE
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