Capalbio
Located in the heart of the Maremma, immersed amongst a territory of absolute wonder and splendor, Capalbio is one of the most appreciated tourist destinations in the south of Tuscany.
It is one of the centres which best represents and symbolizes the ancient spirit of the Maremma, with the simple and welcoming nature that is found all across this enchanting and stunning zone.
The town of Capalbio is seen as the last city of the Maremma, the most southerly town. From the absolutely magical and unique views and panoramas, to the cultivated countryside, charming hills and valleys, Capalbio is definitely both suggestive and splendid.
The town of Capalbio is located in the province of Grosseto, a short distance from the wonderful sites of the Promontory of Monte Argentario. The town is seen as one of the most stunning and frequented locations in lower Tuscany, mainly due to its beauty and the absolute splendor of its historical sites, in fact, the town has earned the coveted recognition of the 5 sails of Legambiente, a source of great pride and honour for all of Tuscany; for the unique shape of the town, for the presence of very ancient buildings and palazzi and for the great and profound beauty of the village.
Capalbio is also famous for its nickname “Little Athens”, which provides yet another reason to visit this wonderful secular centre and appreciate the natural and architectural splendor.
Not to miss:
The Church of St. Nicola: whose construction dates back to the 1200’s. Inside there is only one nave with a splendid chapel, richly painted with fascinating and interesting religious frescoes.
Palazzo Collacchioni: a fascinating Renaissance building built close to the striking surrounding wall.
L’Oratorio della Provvidenza (Oratory of the Providence): built outside the walls of defence in the 16th century.
La Rocca (The Fortress): a grandiose medieval building shaped like an “L” and joined to a splendid bastion created for defensive purposes.
The breathtaking Porta Senese (Sienese Door): surmounted on an interesting stone, which carries a celebrated inscription by the De’Medici family.
The defensive walls: characteristic for their crenellated shape and the splendid Arco Santo (Saint Arch).
Giardino dei Tarocchi (The Garden of the Tarot Cards): is a stunning work of art created by English- French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, with the help of her husband and a large number of local artisans. It is now an immense garden filled with striking statues representing the twenty-two Tarot cards. These statues, created with many different materials, are characteristic not only for their eccentricity but also for their dimensions, which in some cases, bring them to life. Here you can find yourself standing in front of The Priestess, The Sphinx, The Pope, The Prince, The Sun and many other cards, as if they were real living beings.
The garden is open to the public almost every month of the year, and it does not have a predefined footpath, following, instead, the wishes of its creator, visitors can freely decide where to start their tour, with the utmost freedom and autonomy.
History:
We know that the land was already inhabited by the Etruscans and the Romans, as indicated by the numerous finds which have been found in the archeological sites of the town’s countryside. In the height of the Middle Ages, the village of Capalbio was an important possession of the Abby of the Three Fountains; then in the first years of the 9th century, the town fell under the control of the Aldobrandeschi family, then the Orsini Counts and then the powerful commune of Orvieto. In the course of the centuries the domination of this wonderful Tuscan town was held by the city of Siena, before the Spanish took control in the second half of the 16th century.
With the State of Spanish Presidi the town of Capalbio experienced a period of relative good fortune. However upon the fall of this important power, the Maremman village was encompassed into the possessions of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, under which it remained until it was annexed by the new Kingdom of Italy.