Grosseto is a small Tuscan town enclosed in a ring of fortress walls by the power-hungry Medici. Representatives of the famous royal dynasty once recaptured it from Siena. Since then, Grosseto has combined the culture of two cities: Siena and Florence.
Geographic location
Grosseto is located in the Tuscany region. On the map of Italy, this town is not immediately found. It is located 14 km from the Tyrrhenian Sea, south of Siena. Below on the map of Italy, Tuscany is highlighted. Grosseto is located in the south of the region.
Ancient times
Once upon a time there were only lakes and swamps around the city. But over time, they faded. The sea has receded. Only healing springs have survived to this day, near which the famous resort of Terme Saturnia is located. Little is known about the inhabitants of the ancient city in ancient times. But they probably lived well. The city of Grosseto (Italy) is located on fertile land, on which the sun does not spare its warm rays.
Then the territory was inhabited by the Etruscans, who were later driven outthe Romans. The first mention of Grosseto in Italy dates back to the ninth century. Only a few archaeological excavations carried out in the 20th century testify to the life and life of the people who lived here before.
The medieval period in the history of the city is associated with the Aldobrandeschi family. The role of representatives of this genus in the development of Grosseto (Italy) is as great as the role of the Medici in France. Significant events took place here in the first third of the 12th century. Duke Arrigo gathered an army and headed towards the city of Grosseto. His plan was to capture the citadel. But nothing worked. The inhabitants of the city were able to withstand, they withstood the siege. Around the same time, a bishop arrived here, and in the middle of the 12th century, the city took an oath of allegiance to Siena.
A little later, the Florentine army visited the city, and by no means with good intentions. When the Medici rose in Florence, Grosseto (Tuscany) came under their wing. Strong high walls grew here, a stronger citadel was built. After the Congress of Vienna, the duchy passed to the Habsburgs. A monument to one of them still stands today in the center of Grosseto in Italy.
Old City
Piazza della Vasca is one of the significant sights of Grosseto in Italy. The palace can be seen on the way to the old city. The more modern part of Grosseto got its current look in the thirties of the last century - during the time of Mussolini. Facades of the government palace, the telegraph building and Palazzo Cosimini overlook Piazza della Vasca.
From vintagethere are almost no European cities completely surrounded by a wall. In the Middle Ages, such stone fences were the only way to escape from the invasion of enemies. Grosseto is one of the few such cities. The historic center is surrounded by a wall. You can climb some of its sections in order to appreciate the beauty of the ancient city. The fortress walls, built in the sixteenth century, are perhaps one of the most interesting sights of the city.
Dante Square and San Lorenzo Cathedral
It is easy to navigate in the historical part of the city. Once at the gate, in the ring of walls, you can walk to the main square - Piazza Dante in just a few minutes. Here is the Palazzo Publico.
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is located on Piazza Dante. The building was erected at the end of the 13th century. During its long history, it has changed its appearance more than once. So, in the nineteenth century, the facade of the cathedral was almost completely changed, and the interior underwent serious restoration. As a result, the building combined the architectural features of different eras.
St. Peter's Church
This building is located on one of the oldest streets of the city - the former Roman Via Aurelia. The church, like the cathedral described above, has undergone many changes. It was built in the tenth century. It was rebuilt more than once, and in the 18th century its appearance changed significantly. The church is surrounded by taller and more interesting buildings. She may not be noticed. Only the brick bell tower of the 12th century attracts attention.
The Dante Square mentioned above was founded in the thirteenth century. Its central part is surrounded by the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and Palazzo Aldobrandeschi. In the center of the square itself stands a monument to Leopold II. Once upon a time there was a huge well in its place. A large cistern was located in Dante Square, which provided the townspeople with water.
Palazzo Aldobrandeschi
This is one of the main palaces of the city of Grosseto. Today, the old building houses the city administration. And eight hundred years ago, there was a residence of representatives of the Aldobrandeschi family. Of course, over such a long period, the building was significantly rebuilt. A large-scale reconstruction was carried out in the nineteenth century. The western part of the building was completely changed. It is worth saying that it has four floors, while the eastern one has only two. The building of the Palazzo Aldobrandeschi is quite unusual. The first floor is designed in one style, the second, third and fourth - in another. The lower part of the building is gloomy, while the upper part has a solemn look.
Baccarini Square
This square is located away from Kerduchi Avenue. Nearby is the building that once housed the tribunal. Now it houses the archaeological museum. This building was built in the 19th century on the site of an ancient palace. From the northeast, Piazzale Baccarini adjoins Piazza San Francisco, on which the church of the same name is located. Another small Catholic church, which is located in the very center of the old city, is Chiesa dei Bigi. The layout of the building is quiteunusual - the bell tower is located right on the roof of the church. The temple was erected in the 16th century on the site of former monastery buildings.
Benedictine Church
The temple was built in the 13th century. It was dedicated to St. Fortunato, and already in the fourteenth century it was handed over to the Franciscans along with the monastery that adjoined it. During its history, the complex has undergone many changes. The facade of the church is uncomplicated, without any fancy decorations. It is only slightly enlivened by frescoes. Inside, too, everything is quite simple. This ancient temple is more like a village church, located far from civilization. Some tourists claim that only the patio is worthy of attention here. But the entrance to this territory, as a rule, is closed. In the center of the courtyard there is a small fountain, the water from which is collected in a special cistern.
Another square in the city of Grosseto - Palm. Here is the Church of Mercy. On the way to this temple, you should pay attention to the Gignori Palace. This is a small medieval building, looking at which you can find traces of the Renaissance. Like other buildings in this ancient Italian city, Gignori Palace bizarrely combines completely different architectural styles.
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
On the site of the ancient church of Santa Maria Assunta, this cathedral was built several centuries ago. Outwardly, it resembles a fairy tale box. Unlike other buildings in Grosseto, which time gives shades of gray, this building has a delicate sky blue color. The construction of the cathedral began at the end of the 13th century. The process was led by a well-known master from Siena at that time. The last restoration of the building was carried out in the middle of the 19th century. To this day, the figures on the facade, which were made almost simultaneously with the laying of the cathedral, have survived.
Reviews
Only 80 thousand people live here. However, this city is not so small for Italy. There is no airport in Grosseto, of course. The easiest way to get here is from Florence. On the beaches of Grosseto (province) there is an influx of tourists, which explains the large number of hotels in the vicinity of the city.
The restaurant business is well developed here. According to reviews of Grosseto, when visiting this city, you should definitely go to one of the small cozy establishments located in the center.
Grosseto is visited by tourists, but they usually come here on their way from Florence to Rome. This settlement is located about halfway between the famous cities. Grosseto cannot be called a tourist center. It is not crowded here, the streets are quite quiet. This, of course, has its own charm. But, according to most travelers, it is hardly worth going here purposefully.
