There are few places in the Maremma with a history like Magliano in Toscana. The town is positively surrounded by archaeological sites and necropolises that remain proof, not only of its ancient existence, but also of its importance during the Iron Age and the Roman Empire.

In fact, historians place Magliano in Toscana’s origins somewhere around the 6th century BC.

Naturally today’s Magliano in Toscana wasn’t built by Etruscan hands. Instead it is starkly medieval, shaped by the Aldobrandeschi in the 11th century and shut-off from enemies by an imposing curtain of tall stone.

It’s actually this incredible stone wall that has become Magliano in Toscana’s claim to tourist fame.

Unlike most towns, Magliano in Toscana remains embraced by a wall that is almost intact. Unfortunately, it’s not the original medieval wall, but one that was reinforced by the Sienese Republic in the 15th century in an effort to make the town even more impressive and even less impregnable.

As cold and restricting as it sounds, this wall actually continues to play an important role in not only the look of Magliano in Toscana, but also its feel.

Up close, the wall loses its foreboding feel as tall oaks and evergreen Mediterranean shrubs cover it and age-worn houses with different coloured tiles and small courtyard gardens sprout from it.

For Magliano in Toscana’s locals, the wall is comforting, protecting them in the past from enemies and today from the ever-encroaching march of modernity. And they like it that way.

The locals here rarely welcome contemporary guiles, preferring to stick to the tried and tested traditions and content with sourcing everything they can’t personally grow or make from the small fruit shops and bakeries rather than the large supermarket on the outskirts of town.

If you’re a wine connoisseur or just an appreciative drinker don’t leave Magliano in Toscana without trying (and buying) some their locally produced Morellino di Scansano. It’s such an experience that the town dedicates an annual festival to it. The festival is called Vinellando and is held at the end of August each year.

SIGHTS:

Palazzo di “Checco il Bello” This palazzo was built in the 12th century from local stone and has mullioned windows and cornices finished in white marble. It’s Maremman elegance at its finest.

	Palazzo dei Podestà During the period of Sienese rule, Magliano di Toscana was made a “sede di podesteria” – a district administered by a podestà – a Chief Magistrate. It was quite an honour for the modest town.
	City Walls The pride of Magliano in Toscana, these walls are almost intact, a rarity in the Maremma.
	Magliano in Toscana’s doors Magliano in Toscana‘s beautiful city walls are breached by three ancient archways or “porte”. During the Middle Ages, these archways were blocked by drawbridges that protected the city from unfriendly advances.

Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata The Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata is quite beautiful to look at and its travertine architrave is truly stunning. Inside is just as stunning, if not a little bit extravagant.

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista With Roman foundations, a elegant Renaissance facade and a few Gothic elements thrown in for good measure, this 15th century church is aesthetically unique and evocative.

Chiesa di San Martino Magliano in Toscana has many beautiful churches, but none as splendid as this one. Built around the 11th century, this Romanesque church has much of its original travertine facade, which is rare.

Etruscans and Necropolises in Magliano in Toscana Lovers of Etruscan history and culture are spoilt for choice in Magliano in Toscana. It’s hard to explore the territory without stumbling across an archaeological site.

Centro di Documentazione Archeologica di Magliano in Toscana Open from June to September in Via Garibaldi, this museum displays all the funeral objects, urns and other relics found in all of Magliano in Toscana’s Etruscan necropolises.

EVENTS:

	Vinellando- August In its 12th year, Vinellando is three days of wine and festivities. Don’t despair if you’re underage or not a drinker, the event is plenty of fun anyway with games, music and street artists.
	Vox Mundi Festival- July- August Translated from Latin as “Voices of the World Festival”, the Vox Mundi is a series of, usually, six concerts held in the Piazza del Popolo on some of the most beautiful summer nights of the year.