“I am beautiful Capalbio, defended by the Sienese lion who protects me, and who restored these original walls”

(An inscription carved into the Porta Senese, orignally in Latin)

The last town in the Maremma, Capalbio looks out onto the Monte Argentario Sea in an almost wistful way, as if it too would be happier following the tide to some unknown land.

Renowned across Italy for its enviable beauty, Capalbio is no stranger to tourism. Its locals are used to the hustle and bustle of visitors who walk from grand palazzo to profoundly beautiful church to striking seaside vista with awestruck looks on their faces.

After all, they’ve had a lot of time to get used to all the tourists. Capalbio’s much-heralded splendor dates back to 805 AD when its castle was donated to the Abbazia dei Santi Anastasio e Vincenzo alle Tre Fontane by the Emperor Charlemagne.

From then on, the town has been a refuge and source of inspiration for religious figures, poets and artists alike – all of whom have left their mark on Capalbio.

Unlike other towns in the Maremma, this mark has not been erased by the test of time. Instead, to the great satisfaction of the locals, it remains untouched by a modern world unable to contaminate “la sua suggestiva atmosfera medioevale” (its evocative medieval atmosphere).

Today this great artistic patrimony is rivalled only by Capalbio’s natural beauty. Perched on a high cliff and surrounded by a forest of Mediterranean shrubs, the town is like an isle of stone and red brick in a sea of lush countryside.

The view is so striking that it earned Capalbio five sails and the top spot in the “Guida Blu” Legambiente-Italian Touring Club 2007 Guide – a much coveted title awarded to the town for the tireless protection and careful management of its beaches, cultural heritage and environment.

SIGHTS:

Lago Burano Tourist guides everywhere call this Walt Disney’s lake. It’s a strange name, but it perfectly sums up the beauty of the Lake Burano.

Pieve di San Nicola More than 800 years old, this charming chapel is richly painted with fascinating and colourful religious frescoes.

Palazzo Collacchioni A fascinating Renaissance palazzo hidden in one of the towers of the Rocca Aldobrandesca in the centre of Capalbio.

Oratorio della Provvidenza Just outside the city walls, this humble 16th century church hides a priceless artistic treasure – the ‘Madonna della Provvidenza’.

La Rocca A grandiose medieval fortess shaped like an ‘L’ and joined to a stone bastion. Much more than just a grandiose way to defend the city.

Porta Senese The only way into Capalbio is through this door, but don’t pass it too quickly. Its gorgeous architecture deserves your undivided attention.

	Defensive Walls Characteristic for their crenellated shape and the splendid Arco Santo, Capalbio’s walls are some of the best preserved in the Maremma.
	Capalbio’s beaches These beaches definitely deserve more than just a mention – they were, after all, voted as some of the best beaches in Italy.

MUSEUMS:

Giardino dei Tarocchi A living, breathing work of art, this garden was created by English-French artist Niki de Saint Phalle with the help of a number of other artisans.

EVENTS:

	Capablio Art- July-August Continuing an artistic heritage in Capalbio that began centuries ago, Capalbio Art is a summer cinema event that always draws big crowds.
	Capalbio Cinema International Short Film Festival- June- July Started in 1994, this cinema event is the Cannes of the Maremma and a chance for budding directors to play their films in front of an audience and even a few international celebrities.