Get Out of Florence: Head to Grosseto for Authentic Tuscany | kbnmart

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Despite being a charming Italian city with a historic center, a wildlife reserve, and beaches on its doorstep, it is often overlooked by tourists who prefer Florence. Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, now caters primarily to visitors. The unique, compact city center has seen a surge in restaurants, souvenir shops, and Airbnb accommodations that cater primarily to tourists.

However, Grosseto, a small town in Tuscany that is often overlooked on the tourist map, is starting to gain attention after winning an award. Grosseto is one of the few Tuscan towns that still has its 13th-century defensive walls intact.

Award-winning Grosseto

The untouched city has been named Europe’s Leading Green City for Smart Tourism, beating 40 other cities in a European Commission award that recognises emerging, sustainable, small, non-traditional destinations in Europe. The award aims to create a network of destinations that share best practices in responsible tourism, serving as models for other European cities and towns.

“Grosseto’s success as a pioneer in smart tourism is the result of many years of efforts focused on enhancing our natural and cultural heritage. This is just the beginning of our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future for Grosseto,” said Antonfrancesco Vivarelli Colonna, Mayor of Grosseto.

As the first Italian city to win the award, Grosseto hopes to demonstrate how responsible tourism can be implemented in a country that is a major destination for travelers around the world.

Tourist attractions in Grosseto

Dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, the classic Piazza Dante Alighieri is the heart of Grosseto’s historic centre. It is a popular meeting place for locals and hosts many outdoor events.

The magnificent white and pink marble facade of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, built in the 12th century, is Grosseto’s architectural jewel and the city’s most important landmark.

The Maremma Natural Park is a natural paradise located between the Uccellina Mountains and the coast between Principe a Mare and Talamone. The park extends over an area of ​​almost 40 miles and includes a variety of natural environments such as sandy beaches, cliffs, marshes and pine forests.

This quiet city may not be a major tourist destination, but there are plenty of things to explore that will make you want to come back again.