Casale Marittimo

Lovers of architecture will enjoy identifying the ruins of the ancient castle, now engulfed by the urban fabric, as well as the semicircle ring structure of the previous town walls.

It would be a sin to not mention Palazzo Rocca, the Church of Sant’Andrea (built on the ruins of an ancient parish church), and the 18th-century Santa Maria delle Grazie. 

Not far from the village, recent archaeological excavations have brought to light the ruins of an Etruscan village from the 7th century BC. They also unearthed the necropolis of Casa Nocera, an important burial complex of the Etruscan Warrior Princes, in which the highly interesting Warrior Princes of Casale Marittimo were rediscovered: two statues which, on all accounts, are the most ancient in the history of European art.

Thanks to the short distances between the beaches and the inland’s hills, the Etruscan Coast is an ideal destination to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of authentic Tuscany even without taking long holidays, allowing yourself just a few days to walk around nature.

The whole area is full of small villages, where incredibly precious archaeological relics rest in the shadows of elegant medieval stone and terracotta buildings, Romanesque churches and stately manors.

Don’t miss nearby towns such as Campiglia Marittima, the poetic views of Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri’s famous cypress avenue.

Casale Marittimo boasts a packed events calendar from spring to autumn, in which you can choose the best time to go by taking advantage of the various festivals and celebrations. The traditional Sagra delle chiocciole in July and the Sagra del cinghiale (Wild Boar Festival) in August are gastronomic highlights.

A richly worked countryside stretches around the town and produces cereals, oil, honey and a fine wine such as the Montescudaio DOC. 

The Etruscan Coast Wine Road also passes through Casale Marittimo, and is a fascinating route characterized by medieval villages, woody hills and landscapes where the luscious green vegetation combines with the blue of the sea and offers distinctively delicious foods.