Grosseto is a city worth exploring at a leisurely pace, strolling through its squares, historic buildings, churches, and hidden corners that tell the story of centuries of Maremma history. Its historic center, enclosed within the Medici Walls, retains an authentic character, far removed from the large tourist crowds found in Tuscany’s better-known cities of art.
From the Cathedral of San Lorenzo to the palaces in Piazza Dante, from the shopping streets to the ancient fortifications, the city center is a pleasure to explore on foot, taking in monuments, museums, and stops at the city’s cafés and bars.
At the Hotel Granduca, we’re from Grosseto and know our city well. That’s why we’d like to suggest not only the most famous sights, but also some interesting facts and details that can make your visit even more enjoyable.
Piazza Dante: The Heart of Grosseto and the Canapone Monument
The ideal starting point for exploring the historic center is Piazza Dante, also known to Grosseto locals as Piazza delle Catene. Some of the city’s most iconic buildings line this square: the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, City Hall, and Palazzo Aldobrandeschi, the seat of the provincial government.
In the center of the square stands the monument to Leopold II of Lorraine, affectionately known as “Canapone”—a nickname derived from his fair hair.
The statue, created in 1846 by the sculptor Luigi Magi, depicts a pivotal chapter in the history of the Maremma: the Grand Duke is shown helping a woman—an allegory of the Maremma—and trampling a snake that symbolizes malaria, which for centuries was one of the main hardships faced by the region’s inhabitants.
Looking closely at the monument, you will also notice two children. One represents a past marked by disease, while the other symbolizes hope for a better future thanks to the land reclamation works.
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo: A Medieval Cathedral Transformed Over the Centuries
Overlooking Piazza Dante, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo is Grosseto’s principal religious building. Construction began in the late 13th century based on a design by the Sienese architect Sozzo Rustichini.
The façade, characterized by alternating bands of white and pink marble, is reminiscent of Tuscan Gothic architecture. Inside, the church houses works of considerable artistic value, including a painting of the Assumption of the Virgin by Matteo di Giovanni and a 15th-century wooden crucifix attributed to Vecchietta.
The Cathedral we see today is not exactly the medieval one. During the 19th century, the building was extensively restored and part of the façade was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic taste of the time.
To spot some of the oldest elements, take a look at the south side facing the square: here you can still see medieval decorations and a richly carved portal with human figures, animals, and plant motifs.
Palazzo Aldobrandeschi: a medieval building that is actually just over a century old
Across from the Duomo stands Palazzo Aldobrandeschi, also known as Palazzo della Provincia, one of the most photographed buildings in Grosseto.
With its mullioned windows, battlements, and neo-Gothic façade, it looks like an authentic medieval palace. In reality, the current building was constructed between 1900 and 1903 based on a design by Grosseto architect Lorenzo Porciatti.
The building that looks medieval today is the result of a reconstruction in the early 20th century. It stands on the site of the old Palazzo del Podestà, dating back to the 13th century, which was demolished to make way for the new provincial administration headquarters.
During the demolition, old mullioned windows also came to light; they had been hidden by the alterations the building underwent over the previous centuries.
Corso Carducci and Piazza del Sale: Strolling Through the City’s Streets
From Piazza Dante, you can continue along Corso Carducci, one of the main pedestrian streets in the historic center, lined with shops, cafés, and buildings that tell the story of the city’s development between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Along the street, you’ll also come across the small Church of San Pietro, considered one of the oldest in the city, whose presence serves as a reminder of Grosseto’s medieval origins.
Continuing toward the southern part of the city center, you’ll reach Piazza del Sale, one of the city’s most distinctive spots.
The square’s name reflects the importance that the salt trade held for Grosseto. Here stands the Cassero del Sale, a medieval building associated with the collection and management of this precious resource, which came from the coastal salt pans.
Today, the square is a pleasant place to stop and relax, especially in the evening, with its bars and restaurants.
The Church of San Francesco and the museums in the historic center
Another interesting stop is Piazza San Francesco, home to the church of the same name, characterized by its simple architecture and intimate atmosphere.
Inside, there is a 13th-century painted crucifix, traditionally attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna, one of the city’s most significant works of art.
Just a short walk away is the Archaeological and Art Museum of the Maremma, in Piazza Baccarini, which allows visitors to trace the history of the region through Etruscan, Roman, and medieval artifacts. For those wishing to explore the city’s artistic and cultural heritage in greater depth, Grosseto also offers other exhibition spaces, including the Maremma Natural History Museum and the Le Clarisse Cultural Center.
The Medici Walls: A Stroll Around the Historic Center
One of the things that makes Grosseto unique is the Medici Walls, which surround the historic center with their distinctive hexagonal shape.
Built in the second half of the 16th century at the behest of the Medici family, the walls were designed as a defensive system for the city. Over the course of the 19th century, they gradually lost their military function and were transformed into a tree-lined public promenade.
Today, they are one of the most pleasant places to stroll, amid ramparts, green spaces, and views of the city. The walls are worth a visit in their own right, especially for those who love history and military architecture. That’s why we’ve dedicated a special feature to them: The Medici Walls of Grosseto: A Stroll Through the City’s History.
Explore Grosseto’s historic center while staying at the Hotel Granduca
The Hotel Granduca is located in Grosseto at Via Senese 170, in a convenient location for reaching the historic center and the city’s main amenities, near the Misericordia Hospital and the City Courthouse.
The historic center is about 1.7 km on foot and 2 km by car from the hotel—a distance that makes it easy to take a stroll through the city’s streets and past its landmarks, even without dedicating an entire day to the visit.
When staying at the Hotel Granduca, you can alternate between exploring Grosseto’s cultural heritage and relaxing in our spa and the delights of Tuscan cuisine at our on-site restaurant.
Discover Grosseto with those who truly know it
We’re from Grosseto and know the city, its history, and the surrounding area inside and out. That’s why our front desk is here to recommend what to see, suggest itineraries based on your interests, and help you organize guided tours with local tour guides—even for small groups and parties.
Whether you’re planning a cultural weekend, a vacation in the Maremma, or a group trip, we can help make your stay even more memorable.
Contact us to arrange your stay at the Hotel Granduca and discover Grosseto with us.
