5 villages to see in the Tuscan Maremma

Maremma is a land of great charm suspended between the blue of the sea and the lush green of the woods and mountains. It stands on the Tyrrhenian Sea, between Tuscany and Lazio, and is dotted with evocative villages rich in art, history and culture that climb on ancient fortresses. These small villages, where time seems to have stopped in the Middle Ages, are the ideal destination for a trip out of town.

Below we present a selection of villages to see in the Tuscan Maremma.

PITIGLIANO

Pitigliano is a village of exceptional beauty and great scenic effect, with houses perched on the edge of a sheer cliff. Inserted among “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, it is also known as the “Little Jerusalem” due to the large and very active Jewish community that settled there from the 15th century. From the ancient ghetto to the sixteenth-century synagogue, there are many places and monuments that testify to the presence of this community. In the heart of the historic center two wonderful buildings stand out: the Duomo, with its beautiful baroque façade; and the majestic Palazzo Orsini, of medieval origins (14th century) and now a museum. The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie and the “Alberto Manzi” Open Air Archaeological Museum are also worth a visit.

SOVANA

A few km from Pitigliano is the charming village of Sovana, a hamlet of the municipality of Sorano. Framed by the Tuscan countryside, it is part of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”. Here the Etruscans created a vast necropolis in the tuff, which presents an interesting variety of tombs, among which the one called Ildebranda stands out. Despite its Etruscan origins, the village has maintained its medieval appearance. One of the main attractions of Sovana is the Rocca Aldobrandesca, built in the 11th century. Mighty ruins remain of the fortress, inserted in the city walls. Other things to see include: the Cathedral, in whose crypt the remains of San Mamiliano are preserved; the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, with valuable 15th century frescoes; and the thirteenth-century Palazzo Pretorio.

CAPALBIO

On a hill covered by the typical Maremma scrub, a few kilometers from the sea, stands the small village of Capalbio. Due to the environmental context in which it is located and the historical-artistic interest it acquired in the Renaissance era, it was nicknamed “Little Athens”. The medieval historic centre, still well preserved, is surrounded by double walls, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. The village is dominated by Rocca Aldobrandesca, one of the southernmost outposts of the Republic of Siena. Among other interesting places we mention: the Church of San Nicola, decorated with notable frescoes from the Renaissance period; and the Tarot Garden, an artistic park created by Niki de Saint Phalle. It is part of “The most beautiful villages in Italy”.

MONTEMERANO

Another charming village not to be missed in the Tuscan Maremma is Montemerano, a hamlet in the municipality of Manciano. Also included in the list of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, it has preserved its medieval urban structure intact. Walking through its alleys you will feel like you are going back in time. The heart of the village is Piazza del Castello, overlooked by the characteristic stone houses with arched loggias, terraces and flowered windows. Among the places of interest we point out: the Church of San Giorgio, a jewel of Romanesque art which houses an extraordinary collection of Renaissance works of art; the ancient Parish Church of San Lorenzo, deconsecrated and used as a theatrical space for cultural events; and the Church of the Madonna del Cavalluzzo, located just outside the historic center.

SCANSANO

In the hilly hinterland, between the coast and the slopes of Mount Amiata, lies the village of Scansano. The territory has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by the findings from the archaeological site of Ghiaccioforte. The village is famous for the production of Morellino, one of the most representative DOCG wines of the Maremma area. Walking through its streets you can admire countless medieval buildings, especially religious ones, among which the Church of San Giovanni Battista stands out, full of precious works of art. In Scansano there are two museums that make up a single museum complex set up inside Palazzo Pretorio: the Museum of Vine and Wine, which examines the evolution of the winemaking tradition in Maremma; and the Archaeological Museum, which documents the history of human presence in the middle Albegna Valley.