Il Casone: MAPS Museum and Roman traces

Il Casone appeals to travelers who want to discover Roman history and the landscape together. The MAPS Museum is dedicated to archaeological finds from the ancient Roman port; ruins of Roman smelting works have also been preserved in Località Casone. The museum is housed in a hydraulic building overlooking the Padule di Scarlino. Cycling and nature topics offer additional options for different vacation interests.

The MAPS Museum and its two historical periods

The MAPS Museum focuses on archaeological finds from the ancient Roman port. It is housed in a hydraulic building dating from the early 20th century and offers a view of the Padule di Scarlino. This brings together two different historical periods: the exhibition presents finds from antiquity, while the building itself comes from a much later period. For culture enthusiasts, this is a clear distinction between the collection’s subject matter and the place where it is displayed.

Roman traces in Località Casone

The ruins of several Roman-era smelting works have been preserved in Località Casone. They complement the museum with a different kind of evidence: the MAPS Museum is about archaeological finds from an ancient port, while here the focus is on the preserved ruins of smelting works. Travelers interested in the Roman past can include these different subjects in their plans without treating them as a single attraction.

Cycling: riverbanks and a loop route

A cycling excursion described in 2021 for exploring the Pecora River basin follows the left bank after the bridge near Casone, close to the airfield. The route runs along river embankments and unpaved paths, with a short section on paved roads. The description therefore provides specific details about the route and its varying surfaces. As the excursion dates from 2021, check the current route status before setting out.

Another cycling route addresses a different planning question: Cala Martina is part of an approximately 15-kilometer loop that also includes Cala Violina. The approximate distance and locations included differ from the description of the Pecora excursion, which focuses primarily on the route along the riverbank and the surfaces. Route conditions can change; check them before your ride.

Nature reserve and coastal connections

In the wider regional context, the Le Bandite di Scarlino nature reserve covers almost 9,000 hectares of Mediterranean maquis. It includes the Costiere di Scarlino protected natural area and a wildlife oasis. Cala Martina lies within the nature reserve. Cala Violina is known for tiny quartz grains in different shapes that produce a sound reminiscent of a violin when stepped on.

Access to Cala Violina is only on foot or by bicycle; check the current access conditions before your visit. Cala Martina can be reached by sea from La Marina di Scarlino in Puntone, although sailing options may vary seasonally. These access options offer different ways to plan: Cala Violina is accessible on foot or by bicycle, while Cala Martina can also be reached by sea.

Experience the Padule di Scarlino at an event

As part of the announced event, it was possible to take a walk through the Padule di Scarlino along boardwalks and improved paths. If you are planning to attend this specific event, check the event dates and program details.

Discover more destinations: Puntone, Scarlino Scalo.

For the broader travel overview: Scarlino.