Roccastrada

Roccastrada is a fascinating little town located in the province of Grosseto and is seen as one of the most charming and admired locations in the Maremman territory.

Rising on a small hill, immersed between splendid landscape and a magical natural scenery, the town boasts an incredibly unique beauty, which is capable of stimulating interest and curiosity in any visitor.

The charming town of Roccastrada was born, in fact, between the sweet hills and the Maremman plains, in an ideal corner of a beautiful territory.

Rich in profound beauty, the zone is characteristic for the extraordinary presence of olive trees and vines, as well as for the great variety of the landscape, which you can admire and stretches from the sea to the mountains, from the valleys to the rivers.

The town presents itself, to tourists, as a real treasure chest of ancient art. In fact, the city’s streets are truly brought to life by the structures and monuments of great beauty and endless cultural and architectonic interest.

Thanks to these ancient buildings, the town is able to retell its ancient story and the events of its history, in an absolutely extraordinary and intriguing manner.

The churches and the palazzi found in Roccastrada are also the custodians of priceless artistic and cultural treasures, paintings, frescoes and undoubtly splendid and enchanting statues.

Not to miss:

The fascinating Parish Church of St. Niccolò: built in the 12th century, it is home to a Latin cross and the splendid works of art: “Madonna con Bambino” (Madonna with the Baby) and “L’Annunciazione” (The Annunciation).

The Church of the Madonna delle Grazie: known also as the Convent of Carmine, this church is a very ancient structure custodian to some remarkable religious themed architectonic elements.

Church of St. Quirico: a historic building of the Tuscan town, its origins date back to the dominion of the Aldobrandeschi. Today the structure has been deconsecrated and a large part of its frescoes and works of art have fallen into disrepair.

Clock Tower: originally built in the 1300’s, it was completely reconstructed following WWI. Its original function was a defensive one, much like the medieval castle nearby.

Porta della Madonnina (Door of the little Madonna): which granted access to the south of the fortified city, it was once the principal entry point.

Palazzo del Municipio: which houses many services including the city’s library.

Teatro dei Concordi (Theatre of the Concordi): whose construction dates back to the 14th century.

Parco del Chiusone (Park of Chiusone): from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama

Castle of Lattaia: whose construction, according to ancient documents, dates back to the 10th century. We know that the fortification was built for the Gherado count and of the original structure there remains, today, only the ancient surrounding walls and some buildings, including the small church which is famous for St. Biaggio.

Museum of the Wine and Vine: a wonderful centre which offers a look into the local cellars, which are absolutely fascinating and are complimented by the displays of objects and utensils, used in the past for the production of wine and the cultivation of the grapes.

History:

The origins of the town of Roccastrada as we know today, date back to the dominion of the Aldobrandeschi, the charming centre then became part of the Republic of Siena, which managed to maintain power for almost two centuries, beginning from the 1300’s. In the first half of the 1500’s, the city assisted in the annexation of the Maremman territory by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which was then followed by the politics of Florence, with the De’ Medici family.

Finally in the second half of the 1800’s, Roccastrada became part of the new Kingdom of Italy.