Scansano is known worldwide not as a town but as a type of wine, more preciously known as the Morellino di Scansano. This red wine literally dominates every facet of Scansano.

It brings in billions of dollars each year for local producers and the town itself. It is celebrated as one of Italy’s premier wines and was even mentioned in Under The Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes.

It quite simply supports an entire town almost single-handedly, not mention draws hundreds of tourists/wine connoisseurs to the territory.

Looking past the wine, although it’s quite hard to do, Scansano has a long history, built, according to the most historians, in the 13th century as another of the Aldobrandeschi’s strongholds.

From afar, the town sort of looks like it’s tumbling down the hill it sits on. The old, slanted houses in the town centre are painted striking colours, some yellow, some a faded orange and some a startling salmon pink and they all fit together to give Scansano a rugged, but at the same time, charming atmosphere.

For visitors who aren’t too busy savouring the Morellino di Scansano, there are a series of hiking and biking tracks that run up and down the entire territory, winding through thick fir forests, over tight rivers and through fields of chestnuts and olive groves.

Scansano is also home to the much lauded Teatro Castagnoli, a theatre that hosts musicals, operas and symphonys almost all year round and has transformed the town into an artistic and cultural hub.

SIGHTS:

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista Built in 1276, but radically renovated in the 18th century, this strangely brown and grey stone building looks more like a castle tower than a church.

Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie In 1862 this early 17th century church was damaged  and a new neoclassic building designed by Louis Vannuccini was built in its place.

Convento del Petreto Not technically in Scansano but in nearby Poggioferro, this Franciscan convent is the famous preaching spot of San Bernardino.

Porta Grossetana A striking white traventine archway built in the 16th century, it resembles a castle turret with its protruding crenellation and clock.

Teatro Castagnoli Teatro Castagnoli is one of the most prestigious theatres in Maremma. Built in 1852, the theatre has been recently restored.

Ghiaccio Forte Ghiaccio Forte is thought to have been founded in the 4th century BC  when most other Etruscan cities in the Fiora and Albegna Valleys were being built.

Castello Montepò It’s quite sad that this breathtaking castle is privately owned. Property of Biondi Santi, it was said to have inspired British writer Graham Greene.

MUSEUMS:

Museo Archeologico This museum recreates the history of the Fiora and Albegna Valleys, starting with prehistoric times and working its way to the end of the Roman Empire.

Museo delle Vite e del Vino Celebrating the beloved Morellino di Scansano and the ancient activity of growing grapes and producing wines.

EVENTS:

Festa dell’Uva – September The Festa dell’Uva is the end of a giant celebration held in Scansano throughout September. During this time, the entire town is transformed to host festival after festival.

WINE:

Morellino di Scansano The Maremma’s most famous wine. A red that embodies everything that makes this region so fantastic.