Overview
Follonica is one of the most popular summer destinations of the Grosseto Maremma and more generally of Tuscany.
The gradual urban expansion toward the sea, which took place mainly during the last century, has made Follonica a city with a strong tourist vocation, although its foundation dates back to the 16th century (AD), when it established itself in the Tuscan territory as an important steel hub.
The historic center of Follonica in fact coincides with the ancient perimeter wall (magonal fence) that enclosed the ironworks.
Gastronomia
A Follonica le associazioni locali sono molto attive e in ogni momento dell’anno può capitare di imbattersi in eventi legati alla gastronomia, alla musica e all’animazione commerciale. Il panorama enogastronomico è ricco e variegato. Come nella migliore tradizione toscana il vino fa da padrone sulla tavola e le etichette dei rossi e dei bianchi ben si accompagnano ai gusti forti delle pappardelle al cinghiale, piatto principe della Maremma, a quelli più pacati dei classici a base di pesce, compreso il cacciucco, dovuto ai forti influssi livornesi, ma anche il polpo e i pesci del golfo di Follonica, particolarmente saporiti poiché il tratto di mare detiene una percentuale di sapidità più elevata nella media del Tirreno.
I numerosi ristoranti e trattorie si approvvigionano dai pescatori locali, garantendo qualità dei piatti rinomata e gustosa e completando l’offerta enogastronimica locale, anche in relazione alforte richiesta di una città fortemente turistica. Follonica garantisce sia ristoranti di charme che ristoranti di cucina tradizionale e ha una Associazione Ristoranti (Associazione Ristoranti Follonica) con il maggior numero dei soci della Toscana.
Semplicità, sobrietà e genuinità sono le caratteristiche dei piatti preparati; ricette schiette, rustiche o raffinate, con un rispetto assoluto degli ingredienti e dei sapori naturali sia del mare che della terra. L’attenzione si pone sull’esaltare, oltre a carne e pesce, anche altri prodotti tipici quali formaggi e salumi, di produzione locale di elevata qualità. Menzione particolare per l’olio di questa terra, che beneficiando degli influssi del mare che rendono mite il clima, offre un prodotto morbido e molto fruttato.
Una chicca …la torta Follonica, oltre a produzioni di dolci tipici della Maremma e della Toscana (cenci, cantuccini, cavallucci, ricciarelli…).
Points of interest
Follonica’s coastline is particularly prized for its sandy seabed that slopes slowly out to sea. A feature that allows anyone to be able to dive into the water without taking risks.
The numerous bathing establishments scattered along this stretch of the Maremma coastline offer sea lovers the opportunity to spend pleasant days on the beach in the company of friends and family. There is also no shortage of large stretches of free beach and DOG BEACH, dedicated to those who choose Follonica and the Maremma to spend their vacations with their dogs.
Follonica has been awarded the Blue Flag several times in the past 18 years. In 2017 it received the 5 Sails from Legambiente, ricons that have been a guarantee on the quality of the sea water and services provided to visitors since their establishment.
Follonica is a town rich in history, tradition and places to visit. The MAGMA – Museo delle Arti in Ghisa della Maremma (Museum of Cast Iron Arts of the Maremma), located in theformer iron and steel complex, offers the chance to get in touch with the history of Follonica and its territory. The Montioni Natural Park, on the other hand, offers the possibility of historical itineraries to discover some of the most important places for the territory during the Middle Ages.
MAGMA – Museum of Cast Iron Arts in the Maremma, was inaugurated in 1970 in a temporary location. Since 1998, this museum of the Maremma has been permanently housed inside the old San Ferdinando Furnace. Inside MAGMA, thanks to the multimedia exhibit, it is possible to trace the process of cast iron production, both locally and internationally. In the Etruscan section of the museum, on the other hand, a number of artifacts found during the excavation of the Etruscan iron and steel settlement at Rondelli are on display.
Follonica Theater: the former steel complex houses, in addition to MAGMA, the Follonica Theater. The restoration project of the Fonderia Leopolda, a building that currently houses the theater, was supervised by architect Vittorio Gregotti. Opened on October 27, 2014, with a concert by Franco Battiato, currently the auditorium can hold 400 people. There is also a cafeteria and a restaurant inside the theater.
Art Gallery: the Pinacoteca di Follonica, dating back to the early twentieth century, was first Casa del Fascio, then Casa del Popolo and now houses the Civic Art Gallery. Inside are permanent collections donated by contemporary artists and painters, local and otherwise.
