Capalbio
CAPALBIO IS THE SOUTHERNMOST TOWN IN TUSCAN MAREMMA. THE ANCIENT MEDIEVAL VILLAGE, PERCHED ON TOP OF A LUSH HILL, IS ONE OF THE BEST-PRESERVED IN THE ENTIRE REGION.
Capalbio is a medieval town that sits atop a small hill in the southernmost part of Tuscany, in the Maremma Grossetana, near the border with Lazio. The village of Capalbio, located 45 km from Grosseto, is about 200 meters from the sea, facing Mount Argentario, in the splendid territory of the Silver Coast. It is surrounded by cultivated fields along the Chiarone ditch and forests inhabited by wild boars. Entering Capalbio means taking a step back in time by about five centuries. The charm of the village lies in its narrow streets, which still retain their medieval appearance. The double ring of walls built by the Aldobrandeschi before 1339 provides a delightful pedestrian route offering splendid views all the way to the sea. The Porta Senese (1418) still preserves its original fifteenth-century wooden doors, as well as the city’s coat of arms. The Church of San Nicola boasts a remarkable bell tower and precious Romanesque capitals (12th-13th century). Across from it, the Arco Santo holds a portrait of Emperor Hadrian. Beyond the walls, the Oratory of Santa Maria della Provvidenza houses 15th-century Umbrian school frescoes (by Pinturicchio).
CAPALBIO, KNOWN AS THE “LITTLE ATHENS,” IS A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE TOURIST DESTINATION AND A PROMINENT CULTURAL (AND TOURISTIC) CENTER OF MAREMMA.
Visit the Aldobrandeschi Fortress
Overlooking the town of Capalbio with its massive structure, it symbolizes the strong power of the Aldobrandeschi. The Palazzo Collacchioni was built on the remains of the fortress. The rooms used for museum exhibitions are visible, and you can climb to the tower’s top, from which you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama.
What to See in the Vicinity of Capalbio
Capalbio is now a favored vacation destination for the intellectual elite from the capital, Rome. It hosts an elite tourism in its many luxuriously restored country houses. The coastline of Capalbio stretches for 12 kilometers, bordering Orbetello to the north and extending to the border with Maremma Laziale. It is characterized by sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, all immersed in the beautiful Mediterranean scrub, with numerous bathing establishments and 6 kilometers of free beach. In the area, you can visit the Natural Reserve of Lake Burano (WWF Oasis) and the extraordinary Tarot Garden by French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, located in Garavicchio, a few kilometers from the village. In Capalbio, there are two film festivals that take place each year: Capalbio Cinema International and Capalbio Art. The first is an international short film festival established in 1994. It takes place in the summer and brings well-known names from the world of cinema to the town, awards the best emerging directors, and promotes the diffusion of the most valid competition films. The second is a feature film festival that was established in 2000 and is held annually in the summer in the Piazzi dei Pini. Capalbio Art also organizes exhibitions of photography, painting, and sculpture, video installations, screenings, and concerts. The quality of the screenings and events has made this event a fixed appointment in Tuscany and Maremma. Thanks to these events, Capalbio has become a true cultural center, as well as a tourist destination.
Gastronomy of Capalbio
In Capalbio, it’s not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. The Gastronomy of Capalbio is famous throughout the Maremma Tuscany. In this land of hunters and farmers, there is certainly no shortage of typical products with the purest flavors: from wines like the renowned Capalbio DOC and the Ansonica DOC, a product of the Silver Coast, to game dishes, but above all, the preparation of wild boar meat according to ancient recipes in the local restaurants and trattorias. Don’t miss the fish, snail, and wild boar festivals to savor the excellent traditional cuisine of the Maremman village with memorable aromas and flavors.
Origins of Capalbio
The origins of Capalbio are ancient. Known since the 7th century when it belonged to the Roman Abbey of the Three Fountains, in the Middle Ages, it was ruled by the Aldobrandeschi and the Orsini. After coming under Siena in 1416, it became part of the Medici’s possessions and quickly declined. Capalbio is also famous for the phenomenon of banditry: in 1886, the most famous of the outlaws from Maremma, Domenico Tiburzi, died there. The village only began to flourish again after 1950 with the post-war land reform. The name “Capalbio” derives from caput album (bald head), reflecting the town’s symbol: the gate of Siena displays the emblem with the Siena lion supporting a bald head.
Resources on Capalbio
- Capalbio Municipality – Guide to services for citizens, the municipality, news, the city, and the territory.
