Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) applies in the
centro storico
. There's plenty of paid car
parking surrounding the city walls; the most convenient is at Porta Corsica, next to the
city gate on Viale Zimenes near Piazza Lamaremma (per hour €1).
TRAIN
The main coastal train line runs between Rome and Pisa via Grosseto (Intercity €21.50,
two hours) and Livorno. A ticket from Grosseto to Livorno (75 minutes) or Pisa (90
minutes) costs €16.50. The high-speed
Frecciabianca
runs between Rome and Genoa,
stopping at Grosseto (€27.50, 90 minutes). A ticket from Grosseto to Livorno (one hour)
or Pisa (75 minutes) costs €21.50. There are also eight direct
regionale
(slow local train)
services to Siena daily (€9, 90 minutes).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Grosseto
Riserva Naturale Provinciale Diaccia Botrona
( 05 642 02 98;
www.maremma-online.it
)
The marshes surrounding the coastal town of
Castiglione della Pescaia are an important shelter for migrating birds, and this 1272ha
nature reserve off the SS322 is a wonderful stop for those keen on spending an afternoon
exploring the flat yet fascinating local landscape. Daily
boat tours
(adult/child €12/6; 5pm
& 6.30pm Tue-Sun mid-Jun-mid-Sep)
enable visitors to spot waterfowl, herons, flamingos and
other species; advance bookings recommended.
The boat tours depart from the
visitor centre
(multimedia display adult/reduced €3.50/2.50;
3.30-8.30pm Tue-Sun mid-Jun-mid-Sep, 3.30pm-sunset Thu-Sun mid-Sep-mid-Jun)
, which occupies
the
Casa Rossa Ximenes
, a handsome sluice-house commissioned by Grand Duke Pietro
Leopoldo I of Lorraine in the mid-18th century as part of his huge project to reclaim the
marshes for agriculture and at the same time reduce the horrifyingly high levels of malaria
that existed in the region. Inside the building there is a multimedia display (in Italian only)
about the reserve and its wildlife, the building and the history of the reclamation project.
Guided mountain-
bike tours
(adult/child €8/5)
of the reserve depart from the nearby town
of Castiglione della Pescaia from late May to early October; again, advance booking is es-
sential.
PARK
Roselle
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
