It is immediately clear from the imposing Citadel overlooking the settlement, that Scarlino has always held an important strategic position over the plains below as far as the Gulf of Follonica. Its name, from the Gothic 'scherlin' or 'torch', indicates that it was a reference and light for the ancient Roman port of Scabris (today's modern tourist port, Puntone).
It belonged to the Aldobrandeschi family and became a bastion in the noble family's defensive structure. They fortified it with the beautiful Citadel that still stands out, tall and proud, on a steep ridge. New archaeological digs have brought to light an important Etruscan necropolis with interesting burial mounds, an indication that the first settlements date from the 7th-6th centuries B.C. But the Medieval past is also a very strong presence, not only in the 10th century Citadel, but also in the façade of the Town Hall and the adjacent buildings such as the church of San Martino.
The church is known for its bell tower where one of the two bells displays the coat of arms of Scarlino and the date of casting (1340). The Romanesque church of San Donato also deserves a visit. It contains a painting from the 15th century representing Christ Crucified that is considered to be the most important pictorial piece in the area in that, unlike traditional iconography, Christ is not crowned with thorns, but with gold and is wearing a black tunic bordered in gold.
Oasis and nature reserves, reaching from the interior to the sea, have been developed to protect the territory's rich and varied environmental heritage. This happy union of nature, history and artistic environment is easily explored. The interior hills, with chestnut and oak forests, are perfect for outings into the peaceful Maremma countryside with the famous Etruscan settlements, Vetulonia and Roselle within a few kilometres. The coast provides uncontaminated beaches such as Cala Violina and Cala Marina, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and far from the hustle and bustle of towns.
In 1855, Scarlino was stricken by a cholera epidemic that came to a sudden and inexplicable end on the 19th of August. It is in honour of this miraculous event that the festivity known as 'Le Carriere del Diciannove' is celebrated each year. The streets of the old, Aldobrandeschi part of the town fill with actor-villagers who perform in this open-air theatre. The festivities include a historic parade, archery competitions and a foot race among representatives of the three districts, all obviously held in full medieval costume.
The new tourist port at Scarlino, 'Etrusca Marina', offers everything a visitor could desire: completely equipped docking for boats up to 40 meters, residences fitted with every comfort, shops and restaurants. An area able to offer complete assistance to all kinds of craft has been created, providing parking, garages and storage to keep equipment in perfect condition.
It is immediately clear from the imposing Citadel overlooking the settlement, that Scarlino has always held an important strategic position over the plains below as far as the Gulf of Follonica. Its name, from the Gothic 'scherlin' or 'torch', indicates that it was a reference and light for the ancient Roman port of Scabris (today's modern tourist port, Puntone).
