The Natural Park of Maremma, at one time an area of salty swamplands, is now one of the most fertile areas of Tuscany, with its pastures and its extensive woodlands, olive groves and vineyards. The area takes up a good part of Southern Tuscany and most of the province of Grosseto. It is characterised by a particularly evocative landscape, in which natural elements still play a fundamental role. To truly understand the nature and the essence of the Maremma, it is essential to follow one or more of the guided itineraries within the Maremma Nature Park (9,000 hectares), which start from the two main access points, Alberese and Talamone. Also worth seeing is the ancient Abbey of St. Rabano which literally emerges from the intense green of the Mediterranean bush. Also of great interest is the Padule della Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve (10,000 hectares), a short distance from Castiglione della Pescaia. It is what remains of a swampland generated from a lake, the Prile, which existed in Etruscan times. In the centre lies Clodia Island, which was the home of Lesbia, the woman loved and celebrated by Catullo. Just a short distance away is the Ortobello Nature Reserve, a WWF protected oasis, one of the oldest and most beautiful in Italy. The Park extends over approximately 800 hectares, of which 300 are salty lagoon. There are at least 200 species of bird living there, and in certain periods it is possible to sleep in the huts and follow birdwatching itineraries.
NATURE
