MARITIME MONTEROTONDO
Visit Monterotondo Marittimo
A unique and special place of its kind, the landscape is characterized by the presence of geysers from which hot vapors between 100 and 160 C escape.
On the surface, Monterotondo Marittimo is similar to any other medieval village. Its roots can be traced back to 1128 and its name derives from Mons Ritundus, a reference to the almost conical shape of the hill on which it is built. For centuries, the Florentine Alberti family ruled the city, but it was disputed both because of its location at the crossroads between
Grosseto, Pisa and Livorno and its vast pine forests. All in all, Monterotondo Marittimo would be very picturesque if it were not, as legends claim, the “gateway to Hell.” A short walk from the city center, large columns of gray smoke indicate the bubbling of the Biancane geyser. Although it appears to be of infernal origin, the blowhole is simply part of a natural volcanic phenomenon dating back 4,000 years. Since the 20th century, geysers have been tapped for geothermal energy and now light more than 19,000 homes. Beyond the arid Biancane plains, Monterotondo Marittimo is surrounded by pine trees that contrast with the pastel-colored houses in its built-up area.
Although lost in the countryside, the Monterotondini are great patrons of the arts and host an annual literary competition named after their most famous son, 19th-century Maremma poet Renato Fucini.
What to see in Monterotondo Marittimo
Monterotondo Marittimo begins at Via Garibaldi, where you can catch a glimpse of the medieval walls and the Porta all’Olmo, topped by the town’s coat of arms.
Follow the street to Casalini Square to reach the center of the township.
At one end are the town hall and its clock tower, dating from the 17th century with architectural traces from the 12th and 13th centuries. At the other end is the beautiful Palazzo delle Logge: although just over 200 years old, its burnt orange bricks and green shutters make for pleasantly “old school” Tuscan.
The nearby Church of San Lorenzo, built at the beginning of the 17th century, is the most important in the village: it does not contain any particular works of art except for the 1430 Madonna and Child by the Sienese painter and Master of Monterotondo Duccio di Buoninsegna.
Surroundings of Monterotondo Marittimo
Biancane Nature Park: Upon entering the Biancane area, it feels like visiting a strange planet where the ground boils, hisses and smells like rotten eggs; a unique spectacle created by hydrogen sulfide emissions escaping from geysers in the ground. These emissions transform the red rocks into the white chalk that gives the Biancane their name. You can follow the path along the creek and past the pools, which boil at 100°C, but don’t wear anything you particularly care about: the gray, mushy mud will stain your shoes if you step into it. The steel pipes you see at the beginning of the park are part of the geothermal plant that carries steam to convert it into electricity.
Sasso Pisano
The Sasso Pisano Fumarole Park trail connects Monterotondo Marittimo with nearby Sasso Pisano, a town whose hot springs were used first by the Etruscans and then by the Romans. The two-hour route was created for those who want to appreciate the geothermal landscape dense with steaming pools and spontaneous eruptions. In Sasso Pisano there is also a museum dedicated to ancient civilizations and a medieval castle worth visiting. In the surrounding countryside
EVENTS
Pig and Sheep Festival
July
Food and wine festival with music and entertainment.
Chestnut Festival
last weekend of October
Monterotondo Marittimo celebrates the chestnut in this traditional festival with homemade dishes, new wine and lots of folklore.
How to get to Monterotondo Marittimo
By Air: The nearest airport is Pisa Airport, which is well connected to many European and international cities. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to Monterotondo Marittimo, or rent a car.
By Train: The nearest train station is Follonica. From Follonica, you can take a bus to Monterotondo Marittimo.
By Car: If you travel by car, you can reach Monterotondo Marittimo via the A12 highway. Take the exit for Follonica Est and follow the signs for Monterotondo Marittimo.
