BUON GIORNO and WELCOME

The following information is meant to help you enjoy your holiday and make your stay in the , the southern part of , easier. The typical landscape of this area runs in a plain along the coastline which was swampy in the past, where fields of corn, wheat, sunflowers, olive groves and vineyards now grow . The entrance pathways to the farmhouses are often characterised by a line of Pinetrees and cypresses. The “macchia mediterranea” (bushy and rich of evergreen trees) is the forest of the Mediterranea area. The inland is more hilly with large woody areas scattered of boroughs and medieval villages, in some cases almost depopulated. In some places like , , Tatti, Buriano and others there are remains of fortresses and castles. There ´s an attempt to keep alive the past with traditionaI events held throught the year. From most of these hilltop villages there´s a fantastic panorama. Cork-trees woods are typical of this area, it´s easy to recognize them: a red trunk without bark.

What is there to do? May be you have already read about , San Gimignano, Volterra and Montalcino in your guide-book. What about a reccomendation on a very special place?A day´s journey to , a medieval beautifully preserved little town with a fantastic "piazza" dominated by a cathedral. In the evening there are open two pizzerias (the busiest one is also the better one) and you can enjoy the atmosphere while tasting some Maremma specialities. The town hosts some open air events (opera etc.) and has a mining museum.

Etruscan civilisation settlements In , Populonia, Lago dell' Accesa and Roselle.

National Park "Parco dell' Uccellina" It´s about 15 km from going south towards Rome, exit . The office ("Centro Visite") is on the right just before the village of Alberese. From there you can take a bus to the park (exception from 15.6 to 30.9). From the entrance in Alberese as well as the entrance in you can see typical flora and fauna. You might also have the chance to see deer and wild boar. It is open everyday from 9a.m. until 1 hour before sunset. You can also go towards "Marina di Alberese" where there are horses and buffalos in the nearby fields. Before going to "Marina di Alberese" don´t forget to buy a parking ticket (unfortunately you´ll have to go to "Centro Visite". There you can park your car (if possible avoid the week-end:it´s full) and walk along the beach: on the left you have about 5 km walk to Cala di Forno, on the right a shorter walk towards the mouth of the river . Have you ever heard of the Tarot`s garden? Well if you are down there don´t miss it. It was made by the sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle; it is in Loc. Garavicchio, shortly before entering ( Fiorentina). It opens daily from 14.30 to 19.30, except Sundays and holidays. It´s closed from Nov. till Mai.

Rome is also within easy reach... Trains run from Grosseto to Rome almost every hour (the 1st one runs at about 7.30). In only 2 hours trip you find yourself in the heart of Rome. You can take the underground to visit most of the outstanding monuments and works of art. To visit S. Pietro and Piazza di Spagna you can take the linea A - Ottaviano. - 2 - Beaches, seaside resorts, lake, river...

Beaches Sand beaches: Alberese, Principina, , Castiglione della Pescaia, , and Populonia. Rocky points are in Talamone, (Castiglione), Punta Ala (beyond the harbour), Cala Martina (nearby Cala Violina) and Populonia (further south). Some tips: From Castiglione della Pescaia going towards Marina di Grosseto there are several possibilities to turn right to a beautiful beach (going towards Follonica the beach is on the left). Rocchette : 4 Km after Castiglione towards Follonica, turn left: beach, rocks and clean water. Casetta Civinini : 5 Km of sandy beach along a shady pinewood. From the 322 turn towards Punta Ala, drive for 3 Km and turn right after a bending on the left at the sign "Restaurant - Bar" (informal friendly atmosphere under the pines sitting at tables with panorama). Cala Violina : small bay to reach after a 20 m walk in the wood. From the SS 322 towards Follonica, after 2 km the intersection to Punta Ala you´ll see a petrol station; drive another 500 m and turn left into the white road leading to the fields. Drive for 800 m and then you can park the car. Again, if possible avoid the week-end, the beaches are full.

Lago dell' Accesa The crystalline water of Lake Accesa is a good alternative to the busy beach. It´ still a wild and unspoiled spot (there´s no bathing establishment). From drive for 9 km towards Follonica, turn right towards Lago dell' Accesa. After 5 km you´ll find "La Pesta" (Pizzeria/Restaurant/Bar) and some houses. Before the last house turn left into the country road.

River "Farma" The Canaloni is a wonderful, picturesque spot along the river "Farma". Stones washed and beautifully carved by the water, small waterfalls and ponds to bathe. From take the SS 73 (towards Siena) and drive 2 km beyond , soon after the bridge turn right into the woods and drive for circa 3 km. After parking you then walk taking the middle path, it´s signalled by red and white stripes. After 20 minutes you arrive at the river Farma.

Thermal Springs A bath in the warm sulphureous water of Bagno Petriolo (39 Grad), an open air spot, no ticket required, midway between Grosseto and Siena, is something very special, expecially in the evening by moonlight. Circa 15 Km beyond Civitella Mma, after a Tunnel turn right towards Pari, next intersection go left and drive downwards. Coming from Siena take the exit: Bagno Petriolo. South east from Grosseto there´s another thermal spring: (the neighbouring villages are of cultural interest).

Dam

There´s a small dam above Montemassi with natural dark green water. Bathing is possible from May till July. Fishing is allowed. 1 Km beyond Montemassi turn right into a countryside. First drive 200 m upwards and then 1 km downwards. From Roccastrada, Montemassi, Roccatederighi, , Torniella, , Tatti and there are many walking paths. They are signalled by red and white stripes and numbers: twice red-white stripes means that there´s a bending. There´ s book with maps “Trekking Roccastrada” or maps can also be taken at the tourists offices. - 3 -

Animals. On the country roads while walking or at night it is possible to see some wild animals: porcupines, wild boars, foxes, tortoises and snakes (only vipers circa 90 cm. long, grey brown with triangular head are poisonous) . The possibility of being attacked is very rare; if it happens try to move as little as possible and send somebody to the nearest chemist´s to buy a serum. At night in Spring time you´ll hear the nightingale and the owl and in Summer crickets (daytime the cicades). In countryhouses you might happen to see lizards and ants. Under damp wood you can see an occasional scorpion ( 3-4 cm) ; the bite is similar to a wasp´s sting.

Opening time Shops (apart some supermarkets in bigger towns) close at 12.30 and open again at about 17.00 (on Saturdays also but not on Wednesdays). Supermarkets in July and Augusts open on Sunday morning too. Post offices are open from 8.00 to 13.30 . Stamps can be bought at tabacconist´s. From Post Offices is not possible to make telephone calls. Telephone boxes can be found in many bars. Telephone cards "carta telefonica" can be bought at tabacconists´ or at newspapers kiosk. To telephone dial 00+the number of your nation, then no 0 before the city code. Banks are open from 8.30 to 13.15 and from 14.45 to 15.45 from Monday to Friday.

Museum In Grosseto there is an archaelogical museum.

Markets In the several markets open till 12.30 you can find: clothes, schoes, house goods, fruit and vegetables.

Tuesdays - Ribolla, along river Arno/Cascine Wednesdays - Roccastrada, Siena Near Fortezza Thursdays - Grosseto Near the Dome outside the city walls Fridays - Follonica north of the city Saturdays - Castiglione della Pescaia over the bridge.

Natural Food Shops (Erboristerie): Grosseto, Castiglione della P., Follonica, Massa Marittima, unfortunately only a couple in Grosseto have a wide choice: “Il Cielo Stellato” via Solferino Nr. 10 (behind the Cathedral on the right), and “Il Melograno” via Cesare Battisti (near Piazza de Maria). At the Azienda Agricola “San Francesco”, Loc. Barbaruta, Pod. 736, Grosseto, Tel 0564 401064 you can buy fresh biologic fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, cereals and pulse. The Az. Agricola “Il Gabbiano” sells also biolog. fruit and vegetables. from Grosseto  Marina di Grosseto/Principina Mare taking the SS 322 until (5 Km), then proceed 1,5 km (sign „La Vigna“) turn left and after 400 m again left.

There are several different waste bins: Carta (paper), Organico (organic), Vetro,Plastica, Lattine ( glass, plastic, cans ), Rifiuti non riciclabili (rubbish) . You need adaptors for foreign plugs. that can be bought in supermarkets - 4 -

TOURIST OFFICES (Ufficio Turistico) - APT - in the

Grosseto: Via Monterosa 206 and Viale Ximenes before the gateway on the right Castiglione della Pescaia: Piazza Garibaldi. Follonica: Viale Italia, Palazzo tre Palme. Roccastrada: Via Roma, opposite the Council (municipio). Roccatederighi: Via Roma.

Here is a selection of Restaurants, Trattorias, Pizzerias ...... BUON APPETITO!

Ribolla: “Lo Chalet”, Pizzeria, Restaurant with terrace Piazza Libertá 6, Tel. 0564 579617, *Thursday „Il Borgo di Giulia“ Restaurant, Loc. , Borgo Pesca 1, between Ribolla and , Tel. 0566 88413, *Tuesdays Montelattaia: “La Bandinella”, Trattoria, Pizzeria with terrace ( home made cuisine ) along the road Montemassi 9 Km Grosseto. Tel. 0564 577034, *Tuesdays Sticciano: “IL Frantoio”, Pizzeria with terrace, Via 1, Tel. 0564 577091, ** : “Trattoria, Pizzeria”, opposite the rail station, typical Tuscan cuisine, Tel. 0564 329058, *Wednesdays Roselle: “Da Antonio”, Pizzeria, Restaurant, Via del Molino Vecchio 15. Montemassi: “Il Grottaione”, Pizzeria, Restaurant with terrace and panorama, Tel. 0564 579290, *Mondays “Guido Riccio”, Restaurant with terrace, Piazza della Madonna 1 “Bar Pizzeria Coralli“ with terrace (along the road Montemassi 5 km Roccastrada), Loc. Ponte Bai, Tel. 0564 577150, *Mondays** Roccatederighi: “Da Nada”, Trattoria, good refined cuisine, small terrace. Via Trento 13, Tel. 0564 567226, *Thursdays “Il Corso”, Trattoria. “Garum”, Pizzeria, Restaurant in the old part with terrace, Via delle due Porte, Tel. 0564 567445 “La Conchiglia”, Pizzeria, Restaurant with a beatiful terrace. Via Roma 24/c, Tel 0564 567430, *Tuesdays** Sassofortino: “Da Renato”, Pizzeria (Pizza taste really good). Via Garibaldi 73, Tel. 0564 567413 *Wednesdays “Da Momo” Pizzeria, Restaurant with terrace. *Mondays Roccastrada: “La Grotta dell’ Orso”, Pizzeria, Restaurant with small terrace in the old . centre Via 4 Novembre 31, Tel. 0564 564183, *Wednesdays Tatti: Pizzeria with terrace and panorama. * Tuesdays Boccheggiano: „La Tana Dell`upo”, Ristorante, Pizzeria with terrace, Via Torquato Tasso, Tel. 0564 998914, *Mondays “Il Gabellino”, Pizzeria, Trattoria” at the intersection, Tel. 0566 998069, *Tuesdays Massa Marittima: “Tre Archi”, Pizzeria in the Cathedral´s square (Pizza is huge).*Tuesdays „Le Mura“, Pizzeria, beautiful terrace with panorama (sun-set), Via Norma Parenti 7, Tel. 0566 940055 “IL Gatto e la Volpe”, Vicolo Ciambellano 12, Tel. 0566 903575, *Mondays Follonica: “Da Maurizio”, Fish-Restaurant, good price difficult to find a table. Via delle Collacchie 21. Tel. 0566 53267, *Mondays (* closing day, **always opened in Summer) - 5 -

Wine for sale A z. Agr. F alciani, in Ribolla, Via Collacchia, at the exit of the village, on the right side nearby the tall Pinetree, going towards Follonica Follonica. A z. Agr. Me leta, 2 Km below Roccatederighi, going towards Montemassi, at the intersection Meleta. La Novella, along the road from Massa Marittima towards Follonica, circa. 1Km after on the left. La Pupila, along the road from to Puntone on the left, (there´s a huge vat on the road). Cantina Cooperativa Grossetana, Loc. Cristo, from Grosseto towards Marina di Grosseto or in Grosseto Via Aquileia 25.

Bikes for hire Follonica, Via Litoranea 57, Cicli e Sport di Donini, Tel 0566 40305 Roccatederighi, Via delle Cortine1, Mariella Stacchini, Tel. 0564 567107. [email protected] Marina di Grosseto, Via del Tombola, mobile 329 0272084 and Via Maroncelli, mobile 333 6775202

Motos for hire: Follonica, V. Litoranea 65, Moto e Sport di Peggi, Tel 0566 44033 Grosseto, EUROPCAR, Via Verdi 11, Tel. 0564 418508

Cars for hire Roccastrada, B.F. di Borracelli & Frangioni, Tel. 0564 565120 Grosseto: HERTZ, Via Mameli, Tel. 0564 424380. AVIS, Via Telmonio 40/C, Tel. 0564 494682. EUROPCAR, Via Verdi 11, Tel. 0564 418508. D´AMBRA, Via Tripoli 84, Tel. 0564 29115.

Internetcafe Grosseto: „Chapa“, Via Ginori 9. Follonica: Internetpoint, Via Bicocchi 75. Porto St. Stefano: Via Sordini 35. Roccastrada: in front of the Bus Stop Via Roma.

Horse Riding in Marina di Grosseto: Ponyclub Cavallonatura, mobile 328 9784018, Tel. 0564 458120 in Massa Marittima, Località Accesa: Centro Ippico del Fontino, www.tenutafontino, mobile 339 5472928, 339 4145765, Email: [email protected] between Roccatederighi and Boccheggiano: Circolo Ippico i Bistini, Melanie und Marco, Pod. Rocca Prataia, 58020 Boccheggiano, Tel 0566 998034, Fax 0566 998756. Veterinary surgeons Grosseto: Ambulatorio Veterinario, Dr. Corridori – Via Sardegna 26/32, Tel: 0564 418012 / 0564 420462. R oselle: Studio Associato Manocchio-Curci, Via Batignanese 13 Roselle, Tel: 0564 402173. Castiglione della Pescaia; Corridori G., Via Cervi 39, Tel: 0564 936150. Redi F., Via Ponte Giorgini 15, Tel: 0564 938268. Follonica: Ambulatorio Veterinario Ass. Spinelli & Bersotti, Via Belgrado 2, Tel:0566 263 869. Clinica Veterinario Fontetonda di Bacci Brunamonti Lombardini, Via Massetana 21,Tel: 0566 52 500. - 6 -

Gavorrano: Rossi P., Via Marconi 139 Bagni,Tel: 0566 846 336 Massa Marittima: Clinica Veterinario Fontetonda di Bacci Brunamonti Lombardini, Vl. Risorgimento 52, Tel: 0566 903 910. Ribolla: Amb. Veterinario di Pieri e Stefanini, Via Montemassi 51, Tel. 0564 578 288. Roccastrada: Studio Veterinario Dr. Barcchiocchi, Via Tazzine 47, Tel. 0564 565 400. Sticciano Scalo: Pialorsi G. A., Via Nuova 26, Tel: 0564 577502.

In case you need a doctor There´s a hospital (Ospedale) in Grosseto, Via Senese 161, Tel 0564 485111 and one in Massa Marittima, Viale Risorgimento 8, Tel 0566 909111. If you have an emergency go to Pronto Soccorso. There´s a Dentist in Roccastrada Via S. Martino 38, and one in Ribolla Via Toscana. Some Chemist´s have an emergency number (it´s written on the door).

And...: Police - Emergency Tel. 113 Carabinieri - “ 112 Firemen (vigili del fuoco) “ 115 ACI – Automobile association “ 116 Red Cross, Ambulance “ 22024

What more ? Oh yes ! We wish you a memorable holiday in Tuscany!