23 Dec A holiday in Scarlino to get to know its history
A perfect combination of architectural and natural beauties, here you can spend a few days of vacation in complete relaxation to discover a unique area
Rocca Pisana – Scarlino
Between the sea and the hills of Tuscan Maremma, ideal for those who love nature
Gently reclined on the slopes of Alma mountain, this village rich in history treats its visitors to nice moments discovering the historical and architectural beauties, but also and above all landscapes of incomparable beauty. In the historic center you can visit the late roman church of San donato, in roman-pisan style of the year one thousand, inside which there are 15th century frescoes. Continuing your visit to the historic center of the town, you can vistit the Palazzo Comunale of the 13th century, today housing city hall. One part of the Palazzo houses the Center for Regional Documentation, where archeological finds have been preserved from the archeological park behind the Rocca, among which the Treasure of Scarlino. An terra cotta pitcher, found in the niche of a wall of the church adjacent tot he Rocca. This vase with a hundred golden coins dating back to around the 15th century and originating from the most important mints of the time.
The Rocca Pisana
The medieval Rocca, overlooking the landscape, was built by the Aldobrandeschi family of the 13th century and modified in the 14th century by the Pisans. Certain excavations have brought to light that the Rocca is much older, and had been built on preexisting foundations dating back to the Bronze age and the Etruscan times.
Today the Rocca is well-preserved and has a pentagonal layout, surrounded by a double wall perimeter, with three grand towers at the corners. Two access gates are still visible, the Porta della Fonte and the Porta sul Mare.
The wonderful beach of Violina Bay
Scarlino is part sea, on its shoreline Violina Bay is located, one fo the most beautiful and coveted beaches of the Tuscan coast, enclosed between the two promontories of Punta Ala and Follonica, inside the natural preserve of Bandite di Sacarlino. A small, incontaminated and protected bay, accessable only by foot or boat, a characteristic which has helped preserve the bay and made it so that the wild and incontaminated nature of this wonderful beach hasn’t been disturbed by the invasive works of man, the beach is completely freely accessible.
It owes its name to the particular sound emitted by walking on the grains of sand of this beach, that remind of the sound of a violin. A small natural paradise.
The culinary excellencies of Scarlino
As most of the region of Tuscan Maremma, Scarlino too excels for its culinary products. The chestnut, queen of these woods, is honored and celebrated from october with the chestnut festival. These woods treat also to other excellent products like the porcino mushroom and game meat, boar especially. There’s also no shortage of cheeses and cold cuts, appreciated for their genuinity and quality. Lastly, the surrounding countryside, skillfully cultivated for thousands of years, offer excellent wine and extra virgin olive oil of invaluable quality.