Built on the top of Mount Alma, Scarlino is a medioeval village dominated by the "Rocca", dating to the 10th century which affords a wide panorama of the marshlands below and the Gulf of Follonica.
From this "terrace" the view stretches out as far as the Island of Elba.
The first mention of Scarlino is to be found in 973, the year in which Lamberto di Ildebrando Aldobrandeschi parted with its court, but some findings, uncovered in the adjacent "Rocca", are traceable to the late Bronze Age (12th century B.C.). In the late Middle Ages the town of Scarlino was part of the area belonging to the Diocese of Roselle Diocese of Roselle and was a feudal state of the Aldobrandeschi family.
It subsequently became an important castle. After various dominions, like most of Maremma, it was ruled first by the Medici, then became part of the Tuscan Grand-Duchy of the Lorena.
Scarlino still conserves its medieval appearance emphasized by the "Rocca" or fortress, partially damaged, which overlooks the town. This construction in square polygonal type stone blocks is surrounded by two circuits of walls which enclose a pentagonal courtyard, The castle of Scarlino was mentioned
for the first time in an ancient document dated 1108.
In 1818 since the castle was almost completely t was turned into a cemetery, remained so until abandoned until 1972 when the local Administration decided to start works of restoration. The castle is now the site of evocative events during the summer months. A curious fact: during recent excavations a treasure was discovered (100 gold coins in a vase) hidden in Renaissance times in one of the castle walls
The church of San Martino is of 13th century origin. The bell tower still holds two bells: the larger is an important antique object as the date of its fusion is inscribed on it as 1340 and it holds Scarlino's coat of arms; the smaller one, of Jesuitic origin dates to 1685.
The church of S. Donato is in Romanesque style in the shape of a short Latin cross. The saddleroofed facade has only one portal with fanlight; inside there is a 15th century painting depicting the Crucifixion of Christ: dissimilar to traditional iconography this Christ has a crown of gold, not thorns, on his head and is wearing a black, gilt-edged tunic, This work is the most important painting in the town of Scarlino. Next to the church of S. Donato there is a cloister with various rooms now privately owned,
Finally, we would like to mention the "Canalino", a 16th century fountain, outside the city walls to the north-west of the fortress.
From this "terrace" the view stretches out as far as the Island of Elba.
for the first time in an ancient document dated 1108.
In 1818 since the castle was almost completely t was turned into a cemetery, remained so until abandoned until 1972 when the local Administration decided to start works of restoration. The castle is now the site of evocative events during the summer months. A curious fact: during recent excavations a treasure was discovered (100 gold coins in a vase) hidden in Renaissance times in one of the castle walls
The church of San Martino is of 13th century origin. The bell tower still holds two bells: the larger is an important antique object as the date of its fusion is inscribed on it as 1340 and it holds Scarlino's coat of arms; the smaller one, of Jesuitic origin dates to 1685.
The church of S. Donato is in Romanesque style in the shape of a short Latin cross. The saddleroofed facade has only one portal with fanlight; inside there is a 15th century painting depicting the Crucifixion of Christ: dissimilar to traditional iconography this Christ has a crown of gold, not thorns, on his head and is wearing a black, gilt-edged tunic, This work is the most important painting in the town of Scarlino. Next to the church of S. Donato there is a cloister with various rooms now privately owned,
Finally, we would like to mention the "Canalino", a 16th century fountain, outside the city walls to the north-west of the fortress.
