The Vecchio Imposto is situated at the base of the hill leading to Massa Marittima. The city is rich in beautiful scenery. The splendid Piazza Garibaldi is surrounded by medieval buildings and the roman/gothic cathedral. The “Citta Vecchia” (the old part of the city) is rich with beautiful imposing buildings sporting ancient coats of arms. Among the most important buildings are the Palazzo Comunale (council offices) and the Palazzo Pretoria which is now an archeological museum. The majestic medieval wall is dominated by the Torre del Candeliere which was part of the ancient fortress built by the people of Massa Marittima in 1228 and it is linked with the Sienese fortress by a bridge-like arch which was built in 1337. There are many interesting artisan shops in the small streets in the historic centre of the city.

The Vecchio Imposto is 15 km from the sea with beautiful beaches at Follonica and Punta Ala.   Also Siena, Florence, Volterra, San Gimignano and the ancient Etruscan city of Vetolonia are all within easy reach.

A short distance from the Vecchio Imposto is the European Centre of Carapax which focuses on the protection of tortoises and storks.  The centre is an oasis of 15 hectares and home to 8000 tortoises of both local and exotic species in various sizes.  The centre also hosts a colony of white storks which attracts migration to the Italian peninsular.

We suggest you visit the nearby Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago Toscano (the national park of the Tuscan archipelago) which is the largest marine park in Europe covering 780 square km.  It stretches from the Island of Gorgona which is south-west of Livorno, to the island of Giannutri south of the Mont Argentario.

Amongst the variety of fauna are some rare species and there is also an incredible array of indigenous flora.

For informations:
Ente Parco, via Guerrrazzi 1, Portoferraio (+39) 0566 919411.