Grosseto, a large flatland town not far from the mouth of the Ombrone river, is capital of the Maremma. It makes its living from agriculture, trade and the service sector. Grosseto is situated close to the sea and was long fought-over by the Aldobrando family, Siena and the Medicis.
It has survived severe economic and population crises in its past. The town went into a decline, only to flourish again in the 18th c. when the Lorrainese began to drain the land. Nowadays the old town centre is completely encircled by a wall that marks a distinct break between the original old town and the new part.