The history of the Maremma is fascinating; a rich ancient history, the center of Etruscan civilization, well tended and populated farming land and thriving towns, then falling into neglect in the later stages of the Roman empire, ravaged by malaria, banditry, flooding, and centuries of ruin and depopulation.

The Aldobrandeschi clan ruled in the middle ages, built towers and castles and walled towns, and later, the dukes of Tuscany began efforts to drain the swamps, curb lawlessness, and reclaim farmland. The 1930’s under Mussolini and the Maremma Land Reform Agency’s efforts and expense in the 1950’s built new roads, farms, and rural service centers and transformed the region. Explore the Maremma. No bandits.