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One of the first to define the borders of Maremma was Dante Alighieri, who, in the Divine Comedy, used it to describe a tangled and dark forest.
Today, the heart of the Maremma territory can be identified as the province of Grosseto, the southernmost area of Tuscany, which is also the least populated and the wildest.
Origin of the Name
The name Maremma derives, for some, from the Latin maritima. Maritima Regio was the name the Romans used to describe the Tuscan coastal territory. For others, the name Maremma originates from the Spanish marisma, meaning a marshland near the sea.
In any case, besides Dante, Manzoni also used the word Maremma to describe something intricate and slow-moving.
History of Maremma
Maremma has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the Etruscan period is of particular importance, with major settlements in Populonia, Vetulonia, Roselle, Saturnia, Pitigliano, Sovana, Talamone, Orbetello, and Caletra (now Marsiliana).
From Marsiliana and Magliano in Toscana, significant contributions to the understanding of the Etruscan alphabet have emerged, with the discovery of an ivory tablet and a lead disc inscribed with dozens of words, now preserved at the MAAM Museum in Grosseto.
The Roman conquest of Maremma followed, marginalizing the Etruscans, though their culture persisted and enriched that of the Romans. The Romans built roads, ports, and large estates with villas for wine and olive oil production, but Maremma lost its prominence compared to the Etruscan period, becoming a transit region for routes between Rome and Gaul.
Middle Ages and Sienese Rule
During the Middle Ages, the territory was organized around the bishoprics of Sovana, Roselle, and Grosseto. It was controlled by the powerful Aldobrandeschi family of Lombard origin, who were also mentioned by Dante and described as "superb" in the Divine Comedy.
Malaria officially appeared, and pastoralism became central to the agricultural economy. Many fortresses and castles were built. Maremma then came under Sienese rule, but Siena limited its development, focusing solely on livestock farming and neglecting its maritime, metallurgical, and agricultural potential.
From Spanish Rule to the House of Lorraine
In 1557, Siena lost control of the territory. The coastal Maremma came under Spanish domination, while the inland areas passed to the Medici family of Florence. By 1814, the entire region became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which transitioned from the Medici to the Lorraine dynasty.
Malaria continued to ravage the region, but Pietro Leopoldo of Lorraine initiated the first land reclamation projects. Living in Maremma during the hot months was nearly impossible. Pietro Leopoldo embarked on an epic enterprise, comparing the colonization of Maremma to the conquest of the Wild West.
His grandson, Leopold II of Lorraine, continued these efforts, implementing a comprehensive plan that included dividing large estates among small agricultural entrepreneurs, building aqueducts, sewer systems, schools, and courthouses, reducing taxes, and granting press freedom (as early as 1864). The imposing Medici walls of Grosseto were transformed into elegant gardens, signaling a transformation in Maremma's identity.
From the Kingdom of Italy to Today
With the Unification of Italy, the Tyrrhenian railway was constructed, bridges replaced ferries for river crossings, various land reclamation consortia were established, coastal pine forests were planted, and the agrarian reform led to further land redistribution to farmers, as well as the construction of rural villages, churches, and schools.
Malaria was finally eradicated in 1954, and with the emergence of leisure time, a new era began: no longer were seasonal laborers migrating to Maremma, but rather tourists.
During the 1960s, Maremma was promoted as a destination featuring sea, flavors, and finally, the fresh air. After centuries of hardship, Maremma now boasts a unique and unspoiled environment.
Coastal Destinations in Maremma
The most notable coastal locations in Maremma include:
