Discover Capalbio: History, Coast and Nature

Capalbio combines an impressive historic centre with art, coastal landscapes and a natural environment. If you would like to bring together different interests on your trip to Italy, the options range from medieval architecture and sacred art to sea views, Mediterranean maquis and birdwatching. The Camminamento di Ronda runs along the entire circuit of Capalbio’s walls and offers views of the surrounding landscape and the sea.

History around the Walls and Fortress

A prominent entrance to the historic defensive ring is the Porta Senese. It is the main entrance to this ring and bears a plaque dated 1418 and a Medici coat of arms dated 1601. The Torre Aldobrandesca is part of the Rocca Aldobrandesca complex and adds to Capalbio’s fortified historic character.

The Castello di Capalbio also reaches far back into the past: it dates from the 12th century and was mentioned in a privilege issued by Pope Alexander III in 1161. The town’s sacred buildings are also part of any cultural exploration. The Pieve di San Nicola was built between 1100 and 1200 and houses frescoes from the Sienese and Umbrian-Latial schools. The Oratorio della Provvidenza contains frescoes from the early 16th century attributed to Pinturicchio or a close successor. The present-day Oratorio was built around an earlier Marian chapel at the end of the 18th century.

Modern Art with Strong Local Connections

The Giardino dei Tarocchi makes a distinctive contribution to Capalbio’s cultural landscape. Mirror mosaics, high-quality glass and ceramic tiles define the surfaces of the sculptures. The site is therefore particularly suited to you if you would like to include architecture, art and unusual visual worlds in your travel plans.

Coast and Natural Environment

Capalbio’s coastline stretches for approximately 12 kilometres. A coastal dune covered with Mediterranean maquis borders and stabilises the beach along the Capalbio coast. The Riserva Naturale del Lago di Burano provides a different landscape focus. It covers approximately 410 hectares and includes a 140-hectare brackish lake. More than 300 bird species make this protected area a specific destination for nature enthusiasts and for travellers who would like to observe open landscapes in addition to historic sights.

A Cultural Event in July

Capalbio Cinema is an annual short-film festival held in the first half of July. If you would like to combine your trip with film and culture, this recurring event provides a clear date within the events calendar. Together with the walls, churches, Tarot Garden and coastal and natural landscapes, it creates a varied profile for a trip in which you can alternate between historical impressions and landscape experiences.

For further travel planning, you can also include Chiarone Scalo and Pescia Fiorentina.

For the overview of the wider destination: Grosseto.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Grotte Cavalieri, Manciano, Magliano In Toscana, Sabatina, Castell'azzara, Scarlino.