{"id":704,"date":"2026-09-29T14:19:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T12:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/grossetos-historic-center-what-to-see-among-the-city-walls-squares-and-monuments\/"},"modified":"2026-11-05T14:27:12","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T13:27:12","slug":"things-to-see-in-grosseto-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/things-to-see-in-grosseto-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Grosseto&#8217;s historic center: what to see among the city walls, squares, and monuments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 <strong>historic center, enclosed within the Medici Walls<\/strong>, retains an authentic character, far removed from the large tourist crowds found in Tuscany\u2019s better-known cities of art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s caf\u00e9s and bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>At the Hotel Granduca, we\u2019re from Grosseto and know our city well.<\/strong> That\u2019s why we\u2019d like to suggest not only the most famous sights, but also some interesting facts and details that can make your visit even more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Piazza Dante: The Heart of Grosseto and the Canapone Monument<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ideal starting point for exploring the historic center is <strong>Piazza Dante<\/strong>, also known to Grosseto locals as <em>Piazza delle Catene<\/em>. Some of the city\u2019s most iconic buildings line this square: the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, City Hall, and Palazzo Aldobrandeschi, the seat of the provincial government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the center of the square stands the monument to <strong>Leopold II of Lorraine<\/strong>, affectionately known <em>as \u201cCanapone\u201d<\/em>\u2014a nickname derived from his fair hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2014an allegory of the Maremma\u2014and trampling a snake that symbolizes malaria, which for centuries was one of the main hardships faced by the region\u2019s inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style data-wp-block-html=\"css\">\/* Box curiosit\u00e0 - Hotel Granduca *\/\n\n.granduca-curiosita {\n  background: #f8f7f4;\n  border-left: 3px solid #a68b65;\n  padding: 20px 24px;\n  margin: 25px 0 30px;\n}\n\n.granduca-curiosita-label {\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 9px;\n  margin-bottom: 10px;\n  color: #947954;\n  font-size: 12px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  letter-spacing: 1px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n\n.granduca-curiosita-icon {\n  font-size: 17px;\n  line-height: 1;\n}\n\n.granduca-curiosita p {\n  margin: 0;\n  color: #333;\n  font-size: 15px;\n  line-height: 1.75;\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 767px) {\n  .granduca-curiosita {\n    padding: 17px 19px;\n    margin: 20px 0 25px;\n  }\n\n  .granduca-curiosita p {\n    font-size: 14px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style><div class=\"granduca-curiosita\"><div class=\"granduca-curiosita-label\"><span class=\"granduca-curiosita-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2726<\/span>Did you know?\n  <\/div><p>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.\n  <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Cathedral of San Lorenzo: A Medieval Cathedral Transformed Over the Centuries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overlooking Piazza Dante, the <strong>Cathedral of San Lorenzo<\/strong> is Grosseto\u2019s principal religious building. Construction began in the late 13th century based on a design by the Sienese architect Sozzo Rustichini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fa\u00e7ade, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style data-wp-block-html=\"css\">\/* Box curiosit\u00e0 - Hotel Granduca *\/\n\n.granduca-curiosita {\n  background: #f8f7f4;\n  border-left: 3px solid #a68b65;\n  padding: 20px 24px;\n  margin: 25px 0 30px;\n}\n\n.granduca-curiosita-label {\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 9px;\n  margin-bottom: 10px;\n  color: #947954;\n  font-size: 12px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  letter-spacing: 1px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n\n.granduca-curiosita-icon {\n  font-size: 17px;\n  line-height: 1;\n}\n\n.granduca-curiosita p {\n  margin: 0;\n  color: #333;\n  font-size: 15px;\n  line-height: 1.75;\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 767px) {\n  .granduca-curiosita {\n    padding: 17px 19px;\n    margin: 20px 0 25px;\n  }\n\n  .granduca-curiosita p {\n    font-size: 14px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style><div class=\"granduca-curiosita\"><div class=\"granduca-curiosita-label\"><span class=\"granduca-curiosita-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2726<\/span>Did you know?\n  <\/div><p>The Cathedral we see today is not exactly the medieval one. During the 19th century, the building was extensively restored and part of the fa\u00e7ade was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic taste of the time.<br\/><br\/>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.\n  <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Palazzo Aldobrandeschi: a medieval building that is actually just over a century old<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across from the Duomo stands <strong>Palazzo Aldobrandeschi<\/strong>, also known as Palazzo della Provincia, one of the most photographed buildings in Grosseto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With its mullioned windows, battlements, and neo-Gothic fa\u00e7ade, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style data-wp-block-html=\"css\">\/* Box curiosit\u00e0 - Hotel Granduca *\/\n\n.granduca-curiosita {\n  background: #f8f7f4;\n  border-left: 3px solid #a68b65;\n  padding: 20px 24px;\n  margin: 25px 0 30px;\n}\n\n.granduca-curiosita-label {\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 9px;\n  margin-bottom: 10px;\n  color: #947954;\n  font-size: 12px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  letter-spacing: 1px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n\n.granduca-curiosita-icon {\n  font-size: 17px;\n  line-height: 1;\n}\n\n.granduca-curiosita p {\n  margin: 0;\n  color: #333;\n  font-size: 15px;\n  line-height: 1.75;\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 767px) {\n  .granduca-curiosita {\n    padding: 17px 19px;\n    margin: 20px 0 25px;\n  }\n\n  .granduca-curiosita p {\n    font-size: 14px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style><div class=\"granduca-curiosita\"><div class=\"granduca-curiosita-label\"><span class=\"granduca-curiosita-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2726<\/span>Did you know?\n  <\/div><p>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 Podest\u00e0, dating back to the 13th century, which was demolished to make way for the new provincial administration headquarters.\n<br\/><br\/>During the demolition, old mullioned windows also came to light; they had been hidden by the alterations the building underwent over the previous centuries.\n  <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Corso Carducci and Piazza del Sale: Strolling Through the City\u2019s Streets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Piazza Dante, you can continue along <strong>Corso Carducci<\/strong>, one of the main pedestrian streets in the historic center, lined with shops, caf\u00e9s, and buildings that tell the story of the city\u2019s development between the 19th and 20th centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Along the street, you\u2019ll also come across the small <strong>Church of San Pietro<\/strong>, considered one of the oldest in the city, whose presence serves as a reminder of Grosseto\u2019s medieval origins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continuing toward the southern part of the city center, you\u2019ll reach <strong>Piazza del Sale<\/strong>, one of the city\u2019s most distinctive spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The square\u2019s name reflects the importance that the salt trade held for Grosseto. Here stands the <strong>Cassero del Sale<\/strong>, a medieval building associated with the collection and management of this precious resource, which came from the coastal salt pans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, the square is a pleasant place to stop and relax, especially in the evening, with its bars and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Church of San Francesco and the museums in the historic center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another interesting stop is <strong>Piazza San Francesco<\/strong>, home to the church of the same name, characterized by its simple architecture and intimate atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inside, there is a 13th-century painted crucifix, traditionally attributed to Duccio di Buoninsegna, one of the city\u2019s most significant works of art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just a short walk away is the <strong>Archaeological and Art Museum of the Maremma<\/strong>, 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Medici Walls: A Stroll Around the Historic Center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the things that makes Grosseto unique is the <strong>Medici Walls<\/strong>, which surround the historic center with their distinctive hexagonal shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s why we\u2019ve dedicated a special feature to them: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/medici-walls-of-grosseto\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"714\">The Medici Walls of Grosseto<\/a>: A Stroll Through the City\u2019s History<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore Grosseto\u2019s historic center while staying at the Hotel Granduca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"521\">The Hotel Granduca<\/a> is located in Grosseto at Via Senese 170,<\/strong> in a convenient location for reaching the historic center and the city\u2019s main amenities, near the Misericordia Hospital and the City Courthouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The historic center is <strong>about 1.7 km on foot and 2 km by car<\/strong> from the hotel\u2014a distance that makes it easy to take a stroll through the city\u2019s streets and past its landmarks, even without dedicating an entire day to the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When staying at the Hotel Granduca, you can alternate between exploring Grosseto\u2019s cultural heritage and relaxing in our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/spa-wellness\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"380\">spa<\/a><\/strong> and the delights of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/restaurant\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"331\">Tuscan cuisine at our on-site restaurant<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discover Grosseto with those who truly know it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re from Grosseto and know the city, its history, and the surrounding area inside and out. That\u2019s why our front desk is here to recommend what to see, suggest itineraries based on your interests, and help you organize <strong>guided tours with local tour guides<\/strong>\u2014even for small groups and parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re planning a cultural weekend, a vacation in the Maremma, or a group trip, we can help make your stay even more memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Contact us to arrange your stay at the Hotel Granduca and discover Grosseto with us.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":705,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-culture"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=704"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1604,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704\/revisions\/1604"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/705"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelgranduca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}