Scansano is a small city situated between the hills of the Tuscan Maremma, a few kilometres from the city of Grosseto.

I first came across this interesting little hub of culture and passion on the back of a bottle of wine a friend gave me. It was a red wine known as the Morellino di Scasano and it was good… so good that I decided to visit its namesake city.

When I first walked through arches that open into the centre of Scansano I was immediately impressed. Before I just thought it was a great place to buy great wine… seriously, the Morellino di Scansano is incredible- it was even mentioned in the movie Under the Tuscan Sun.

But Scansano is more than just a one trick, or should I say one wine?, pony. Looking past this incredible red, a feat that I admit is hard to do, Scansano is a 13th century stronghold made up of beautifully old and beautifull coloured buildings that are simply bursting at the seams with culture and tradition.

My must not miss attractions in Scansano:

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista: Built in 1276 but radically renovated in the 18th century, this rather dull brown and grey stone church looks more like a castle tower than a place of worship. Luckily, the sparse exterior doesn’t reflect the chuch’s interior, in fact, it’s in complete contrast. Keep an eye out for the ‘Madonna con il Bambino’, with its beautiful glazed terracotta scalloped frame, which although beautiful, is actually a copy of the original 15th century work by Andrea della Robbia, which was stolen in 1971.

Teatro Castagnoli: Teatro Castagnoli is one of the Maremma’s most prestigious theatres. Built in 1852, the theatre has been recently restored, reviving its original splendour. Scansano was chosen as the location of this beautiful theatre because it was once seen to be the “capoluogo estivo della Maremma” (the Maremma summer-holiday capital) and was where the officials of the Grand Dukes of Grosseto spent their days off.

Ghiaccio Forte: Just outside of the city, it’s thought to have been founded in the 4th century BC as a new city for the Etruscans fleeing the brutal Roman Army. Inside the city there’s small temple known as the Tempio di Divinità Agreste. All the treasures that were found in this temple are in the Museo Archeologico di Scansano- check it out, you won’t regret it!

Museo Archaeologico: Located in the Palazzo Pretorio in the town centre, this museums recreates the history of the Fiora and Albegna Valleys, starting with prehistoric times and working its way to the Etruscans, the Bronze Age and the era of the Roman Empire. One exhibit includes pictures and reconstructions of the stunning, but closed-to-the-public Roman villa in Aia Nuova.

Museo delle Vite e del Vino: Also in the Palazzo del Pretorio, this museum celebrates the beloved Morellino di Scansano and the ancient activity of growing grapes and producing wines. You also get a taste of the history of the Morellino di Scansano- delicious!

Both museums are open April-October and also public holidays over the Christmas and Easter periods from 10.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. They are closed on Mondays though! Tickets cost 3 euros for both museums.