Venturina

Just inland from the "Etruscan Coast" of Tuscany, Venturina rests between the sea and the hills. Located about half-way between Grosseto and Livorno, it's in an area where the natural landscape is maintained and nature preserves outnumber cities.

Established on the ancient Roman road, the Via Aurelia, Venturina is a fairly modern town with an ancient past. The former stomping grounds of the Etruscans and then the Romans, there are archeological ruins scattered about the area. The main draw in ancient times were the mineral-rich hot springs that bubble up here. The Etruscans knew well of their curative powers, then the Romans established a formal bath structure around them, attracting visitors from the capital city for relaxation and health treatments. Today, the hot springs remain a popular attraction and there are spas for beauty and massage services as well as more medical-oriented wellness offerings. There are some open-air springs in the natural setting.

Nearby is a fairy tale-like 16th century castle with a low tower that was the long-time residence of Leopold II, the last Grand Duke of Tuscany. The beautiful building is surrounded by formal gardens and woods. The elegant Villa Mussio was built in the late 1800s and is now used for receptions, a reminder of Tuscany's wealthy class.

In June the nearby town of Campiglia Marittima hosts Medieval Month, a grand event with historic re-enactments in full regalia coupled with food and fun. Venturina is administratively part of Campiglia Marittima, a hillside town which retains its medieval center.

The area is known for its fine wines, especially the Ciliegiolo varietal. There are orchards and farms producing excellent produce, home-grown honey and meats.

Venturina is just minutes to the Mediterranean coast, not far from the historic cities of Pisa, Lucca and Siena. The marble quarries of Massa Marittima, where Michelangelo often chose his stone, is just a few minutes away. There are lots of restaurants and shops in Venturina for tasting the local specialties and perusing the artisan products.