The best cycling routes around Nature Reserve Diaccia Botrona

The Abbey of San Pancrazio al Fango is a fascinating archaeological ruin, located on the border between the municipalities of Grosseto and Castiglione della Pescaia, immersed in the splendid setting of the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve.

The Fortress of Marina di Grosseto is historically known as the Fort of San Rocco. It is a coastal military fortification located in the heart of the seaside resort, a stone's throw from the tourist port. It was built at the end of the 18th century by the House of Lorraine with functions of customs control, coastal defense, and logistical support for the historical land reclamation works of the Maremma.

The Fortress of Marina di Grosseto is historically known as the Fort of San Rocco. It is a coastal military fortification located in the heart of the seaside resort, a stone's throw from the tourist port. It was built at the end of the eighteenth century by the House of Lorraine with functions of customs control, coastal defense, and logistical support for the historic land reclamation works of the Maremma.

Castiglione della Pescaia is always beautiful to cycle through, and I never get tired of it!

The view of Castiglione della Pescaia from Ponte Giorgini offers one of the most iconic and photographed views of the Maremma of Livorno and Grosseto, suspended between the region's hydraulic history and the beauty of the medieval village. Looking from the bridge, you can admire a unique perspective that combines natural and historical elements: The canal-port: The Bruna river flows under the bridge, hosting pleasure boats and fishing vessels moored along the quays. The medieval village: In the background, the hill of the historic center stands out, dominated by the profile of the Aragonese castle and the medieval walls. The reflection on the water: At sunset, the lights of the town and the colors of the sky are reflected on the Bruna river, creating a particularly romantic and evocative atmosphere.

The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is a splendid protected wetland area located in Tuscany, extending over 1200 hectares between the municipalities of Castiglione della Pescaia and Grosseto. Considered the most significant wetland in Italy and protected internationally by the Ramsar Convention, it represents the last remnant of the ancient Lake Prile, a vast basin drained starting from the 18th century following the major reclamation works by the House of Lorraine. To see is the Casa Rossa Ximenes. A historic building constructed in 1765 by engineer Leonardo Ximenes, originally designed to regulate water and combat malaria. Today it serves as a museum, visitor center, and the main access point to the entire reserve.

It's best to stick to the road with your racing bike. One section has been rebuilt and is in great condition, but the rest is unrideable.

The area currently known as the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve once contained a saltwater basin connected to the sea, which for centuries provided a significant economic source, ensuring the livelihood of the surrounding areas thanks to fishing, the fish trade, and the supply of salt. This enormous "piscaria" or fishpond, on which the castle stood, later became the toponym of the town, called Castiglione della Pescaia. Over the centuries, the Prile initially lost its salinity (the lake was declared a freshwater pond in 1386) and then gradually dried up, forming the marshy basins that characterize the wetland.