Ribolla

In the hills of Tuscany's Maremma district, the town of Ribolla is a modern addition to the hamlets of the area. With about 2,100 people, it is a frazione of nearby larger Roccastrada, but sits in the level valley rather than staggering on a hillside. Despite its small size, it offers shops and services to fill daily needs - bakeries, a gelateria (a necessity, we think you agree! ;) ) cafes, pizzerias, groceries and more. It is a convenient place with no uphill climbing required! Outside town, the landscape is of soft hills with grains, olive groves, cypress-lined lanes, and vineyards. Castles are scattered about, country roads wait to be explored, and narrow lanes are good walking routes.

Nearby, Montemassi and Roccastrada are close at hand, and the city of Grosseto, the coast at Follonico, the hot springs at Bagni di Petriolo, and the art of city of Siena are in easy reach, as well.

The town has a sad history, for which a monument has been placed in the piazza. It was once a mining town, and the site of Italy's worst post-war tragedy at that point when, on May 4, 1954, a gas explosion in the mine left 43 people dead. It also led to the closure of the mining operations. The monument was done by artist Vittorio Basaglia.

But don't let that overshadow the beauty of the Maremma, a less-trod part of Tuscany, which is right at the doorstep.