Casale Marittimo: The Village “Casale nelle Maremme”

Casale Marittimo, originally called Casale nelle Maremme, took its current name in 1900. Its history is very ancient: on the hill of Casalvecchio, remains of an Etruscan village from the 7th century B.C. and a princely necropolis at Casa Nocera have been found, along with the tholos of Poggiarelle (6th century B.C.), an extraordinary example of Etruscan funerary architecture. The Roman era left traces in the villa of La Pieve, whose materials were reused, such as the lion’s paws now part of the throne in the Church of Sant’Andrea.

In the 1500s, the village counted 245 inhabitants, rising to over 1,000 in 1854 thanks to coastal reclamation. In 1936, the population peaked at 1,583 residents, but in the 1950s emigration began toward the industrialized plains. In the 1970s, the risk of depopulation was overcome thanks to the return of residents and the growth of tourism. Today, Casale Marittimo thrives on the quality of its agricultural products and tourism, in a panoramic and healthy hillside setting.

What to See in Casale Marittimo

The historic heart of Casale Marittimo, called Il Castello, preserves important traces of the past, such as the sandstone paving from the Pliocene, rich in marine fossils.

The Clock Tower, built in 1854 on the site of an old gate, dominates the entrance to the village, while the Casa del Camarlingo, one of the oldest buildings, was part of the defensive walls.

Above the entrance to the old prisons in Via del Castello, there is a carved stone traditionally depicting a skull, symbol of the jails once located there.

The Pieve of Sant’Andrea, first mentioned in 1305, was transformed into a school and later into the town hall in the 19th century; on its door, a slab shows the new units of measurement adopted after Italian unification.

Opposite the town hall stands the Palazzo della Canonica, built in 1940 with materials from a Roman villa, preserving mosaics and ancient artifacts.

The Church of Sant’Andrea (1872–74) houses recent frescoes and furnishings with classical elements.

In the square, you can also find the Chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie (18th century), built thanks to the voluntary work of the inhabitants, and the Church of San Sebastiano (1775), restored with Roman materials and decorated with elements linked to Etruscan tombs.

Events, Culture, and Traditions

Sagra della Chiocciola – held every year in the second half of July at Parco del Tamburello. Known as the “Welcome Festival for Tourists / Snail Festival,” it marks the start of the summer season with the participation of local associations.

Festival del Pensare – open to anyone interested in cultural debate in the broadest sense, embracing philosophy, art, social issues, science, and the environment. All events are free.

Diotto Casalese – celebrated every year on September 8 (hence the name diotto), the whole village comes alive with festivities, including solidarity walks through the countryside organized by the local association.

What to See Around Casale Marittimo

Casale Marittimo enjoys an ideal location between the coast and the inland hills. Just a few kilometers away are Cecina and the beaches of the Etruscan Coast, while inland you can explore other characteristic villages such as Montescudaio, Guardistallo, and Bolgheri, homeland of renowned DOC wines.

Nature lovers can also discover the natural oases along the Cecina River.

Casale Marittimo enchants with its sober and authentic charm, made of ancient stone, silences full of history, and landscapes that change light at every hour of the day.

Cover photo credits: StevanZZ