Despite being extremely close to Vetulonia and Roselle (two ancient cities), Gavorrano has no record of any Etruscan presence, which is a bit of a shame. Although, it is in the heart of a landscape rich in mineral deposits, so most historians are convinced the clever and industrious Etruscans probably did live here, even if there’s nothing left to prove that.

But regardless of whether the Etruscans did or didn’t visit the area, the locals of Gavorrano don’t stew on it. They have more than enough history to go around.

Crowded on top of a small hill, this tight-knit community is surrounded by forests of chestnuts, rolling green hills and vast plains. According to local legend, Garvorrano is home to the Castello di Pietra, described by Dante in La Divina Commedia as the place where aristocratic beauty Pia dei Tolomei was murdered.

Thanks to this piece of local folklore, Gavorrano was transformed from a small medieval farmer’s community into a extremely cultured city with an artistic flair that’s hard to miss.

Today, its streets are lined with beautifully preserved stone houses, shadowed by the odd olive tree and twisting vine and resembling, more than anywhere else in the Maremma, the Tuscan towns you see in movies.

SIGHTS:

Chiesa di San Giuliano Built during the Middle Ages and completely renovated in the 18th century, this church is dedicated to San Cosimo.

City Wall A fortification which takes the shape of an ellipse and surrounds the ancient part of the city. Its construction dates back to the 13th century.

Castello di Pietra Just outside the city, this castle is mentioned by Dante in La Divina Commedia as the place where Pia dei Tolomeni was murdered.

Parco Minerario-Naturalistico di Gavorrano The Parco Minerario- Naturalistico was opened in an effort to immortalise Gavorrano’s mining territory.

EVENTS:

Salto della Contessa – May This festival is celebration of sorts. A colourful and very realistic recreation of the ancient folklore that has defined this region for centuries and was immortalised by Dante in his prose.