The Maremma, a countryside envied world wide, the "green lungs" of Italy, which have conquered the hearts of nature lovers of every nation. The Tuscan Maremma Nature Reserve has been protected since 1975. It extends over 100 square kms. from the sea to the Appennines. The area is comprised of the Uccelina Mountains, the Pine wood of Marina di Alberese, the Mouth of the river Ombrone and the Marshlands of Trappola, and constitutes a precious mosaic of ecosystems.
Mankind, whilst leaving his traces on the countryside, has not spoil it in any way. The Maremma is not only an oasis of nature but also site of many ancient human settlements. There are the watch towers: La Trappola, Castelmarino, Collelungo, Uccellina, Molinaccio, Cannelle.
Places of worship, such as the Abbey of St Lorenzo, of St Maria Alborensis, the Sanctuaries of the Presentation and of the Madonna of Charity, the Convents of St Francis and St Agostino can also be found here.

Castiglione della Pescaia is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the province of Grosseto. The name of this medieval coastal town, surrounded by the splendid natural landscapes of Tuscan Maremma and lapped by seas which have consistently been awarded the European Blue Flag, derives from its impressive 15th century Pisan-Aragon Castle (Castiglione), built on the outcropping of Monte Petriccio, and the Latin word for fishery (Pescaia), which recalls Castiglione della Pescaia's historic role as important fishing harbor.
Washed by the clean, warm waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, the sandy beaches of Castiglione will appeal to holiday makers of all ages; offering a choice of lively, fully equipped, bathing establishments and quiet, secluded beaches sheltered by coastal pine trees. Since the first tourists arrived on the Tuscan coast, Castiglione has been attracting a decidedly elite crowd. The Punta Ala fraction of Castiglione is particularly exclusive.
Punta Ala has one of the most modern and well equipped harbors in the whole of the Mediterranean (this is where Italy's "Luna Rossa" sail boat was manufactured), and its Golf Club is considered one of Italy's finest. Lying immediately behind the beaches, the thick pine forests are traversed by numerous bridleways, making the area ideal for horse riding. The night life of Castiglione is notoriously glamorous, and especially so during the summer months.

At an important crossroad on the route to Rome, Grossetto is the largest town in the Tuscan Maremma region, a bustling hub of agricultural and industrial activity and tourism, which is of national importance. The city walls guard the oldest part of Grossetto, whilst outside one finds the areas of more recent construction.
The person who, according to history, contributed the most to the development of the city was without doubt Leopoldo II, in honour of whom a monument was erected in the main square. Among the places to visit: the Medici Walls, the Civic Natural History Museum, the Archaeological Museum of the Maremma, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Chelliana Library, and, for those interested in marine life, the towns Aquarium should not be missed.
Grossetto hosts a great number of traditional events: Primavera Maremmana, Salto della Contessa, Rincorsa di St Lorenzo (the towns patron saint), the Fiera del Madonnino, the Torneo dei Butteri, the Raduno dei Maggerini, and numerous fairs celebrating the local gastronomic traditions.

The quiet Tuscan village of Montalcino has undergone few changes since medieval times, when it was a stronghold pertaining to the nearby city of Siena. With a small population of around only 6,300 inhabitants, Montalcino was once a strategic point along the road to Rome and offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Asso, Orcia and Ombrone valleys. The town’s fame derives from its production of one of Italy’s finest red wines known as Brunello di Montalcino, regarded by visitors and residents alike as a ‘heavenly’ vintage. Local Brunello can be sampled in the large number of wine shops and enoteche (wine bars) lining the narrow streets, or just outside the city walls in one of the many wineries offering daily tours and a free taste to any who make the trip. The history of Montalcino dates back to the Etruscan and Roman periods, and its name was formed from the Latin ‘mons ilcinus’ (holm-oak mountain). Though independent for a time in the 12th century, the town later became subject to Sienese rule. During the 14th century, the city’s fortress was built to better defend the southernmost border of the Sienese Republic. However, four years after Florence defeated Siena (in 1555), Montalcino landed within the jurisdiction of the Granducato di Toscana of Cosimo dei Medici. In addition to its sleepy medieval streets and sun-soaked vineyards, Montalcino presents other sights such as the Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square) and the Palazzo dei Priori (old Town Hall), as well as the medieval churches of San Francesco, San Egidio and San Agostino. The city’s fortezza (fortress) is almost perfectly preserved, while its two interior courtyards offer a great spot to find shade or hold a picnic. The Enoteca La Fortezza serves up a sophisticated array of cheese plates and local wines to visitors. The Cathedral (of San Salvatore) and the Diocesano Museum are full of sacred works of art by 11th to 16th century painters, and contain other medieval objects and archeological artifacts from San Antimo Abbey (which is located 10 km from Montalcino).

The Abbey of Sant’Antimo, in a picture-perfect setting just about 10km south of Montalcino, dates from the 12th century. Follow the road from Montalcino to Castelnuovo dell’Abate. You will see Sant’Antimo on your right, down in the valley, just before Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Drive down into the valley and you will see parking along the road. It’s one of the finest Romanesque religious buildings in Italy. Nearby the town of Sant’Angelo in Colle, 6km from Sant’Antimo, an enchanting well-preserved village on the top of a hill contained in its circle of walls. You can drive there on a dirt road from Sant’Antimo or on a paved road from Montalcino.

Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a stunning abbey perched on the top of a cliff in the Crete Senese area. The Abbey was built in the 15th century. Monks live on the premises and the church is used for religious purposes. The Great Cloister, beside the church, has a famous fresco series about the life of St. Benedict by the painter Sodoma. The abbey closes midday, so be sure you get there well before noon or in the later afternoon. There is a gift shop, run by the church, just beside the main building. The trip from Siena to the Abbey at Monte Oliveto is worth it just for the drive; seeing the abbey and the frescoes is an added benefit. As you go south from Siena, you drive through the Crete Senese area of Tuscany. From Siena, take road 438 to Asciano. Continue on road 451 to Monte Oliveto. You can also get to Monte Oliveto from the SS2 Cassia at Buonconvento.

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