SCARLINO
Visit Scarlino and Cala Violina
Scarlino is a self-described treasure of the Maremma. The town serves as a meeting point between the mountains and the sea, in a verdant landscape deserving of the aforementioned title. Scarlino takes its name from Portus Scabris, an Etruscan-era port located nearby, however, the more romantic believe its name is taken from the Latin scara or the Arabic scaarlin: both terms mean “sentinel” and refer to the town’s strategic coastal location. People have lived in the countryside around Scarlino since the 11th century BC. C., but the town dates back to the Aldobrandesque era and was founded in 973, when malaria and pirate raids drove the inhabitants to the hills. In the 13th century the Republic of Pisa laid the foundations for the domination of a territory of nearly 90 km², which two centuries later would become part of the State of Piombino, ruled by the noble Pisan Appiani family. For 150 years, Scarlino lived in peace, merely defending itself against attacks from Naples and the Borgia family. Cosimo Medici conquered it under the pretext of protecting the bay from pirates, but was forced to return the city in 1594. Except for a brief period of rule by Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister, Scarlino remained part of the territory of Piombino until the unification of Italy.
The beauty of Scarlino is overwhelming…
Today the city is divided into three parts: the magnificent coastline, home to some of the Maremma’s most striking beaches; the beautiful medieval old town; and the lush natural parks. Together, they form a spectacular complex that is a favorite among those who also seek history and culture alongside beach resorts on vacation.
What to see in Scarlino
Scarlino’s historic center begins with the impressive Rocca Pisana (guided tours upon request; 0566 38023, free), built in the 14th century as a fortress, used as a cemetery in the 19th century and now used as an open-air theater.
Go through the wooden gate into the historic center and stop at Belvedere Square, nicknamed Piazzale della Stella, with its stunning views of the Metalliferous Hills and Corsica. Take the small staircase on the right to Via della Rocca and reach the Territory Documentation Center ( on request; 0566 38546, free of charge), a small museum with a collection spanning 2,000 years, including some fine 13th-century Spanish ceramics and a rare set of 15th-century coins known as the Treasure of Scarlino.
Continue along Via della Rocca to Piazza Garibaldi, where you will find the town hall, a medieval building with original multicolored brick furnishings. Next to Citerni Street is the Palazzo del Conte: now housing a bank, but originally the curia comitis, the house of the Appiani ruling family, was located there; its white plaster facade contrasts beautifully with its brick sides. Just at the end of the street is the Church and Convent of San Donato. The history of this church can be traced back to 1188, but it was heavily remodeled in 1929. Outside the yellow brick facade is austere, but inside is an art collection that spans six centuries. It begins with the showy marble tombstone dedicated to the Appiani family in 1471. The somber but beautiful Holy Face nearby depicts a crucified Jesus in a thick blue robe. Although the painting is more than 400 years old, the colors of St. Jerome’s bloody knees and the golden detail of Jesus’ tunic are still brilliant. Most of the church’s paintings were rescued from other suppressed churches, including the 15th-century Madonna Suckling the Child with St. Benedict and St. Sebastian, which stands out with its simple, almost masculine depiction of the Madonna.
The Beaches of Scarlino
Scarlino is famous for its beautiful beaches: Cala Violina,Cala Civette and Cala Martina located in the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve that is definitely worth a visit.
EVENTS
Chestnut and Porcini Festival
October
This festival celebrates Scarlino’s most famous local products,chestnuts and porcini mushrooms, a festival dedicated to good food, with lots of music and fun for everyone.
How to get to Scarlino
By car: If you are coming from the north (e.g., from Florence), you can take the A1 highway to Firenze Impruneta, then take the Firenze-Siena freeway and continue to Grosseto. From Grosseto, take the state highway SS1 in the direction of Follonica. From Follonica, take provincial road SP158 in the direction of Scarlino.
If you are arriving from the south (for example from Rome), you can take the A12 motorway to Civitavecchia, then the SS1 Aurelia highway to Grosseto. From Grosseto, take the state highway SS1 in the direction of Follonica. From Follonica, take provincial road SP158 in the direction of Scarlino.
