On the first weekend of October (Thursday 1st and Sunday 4th), the Pro Loco of Marina di Grosseto and Principina a Mare is organising the ‘Festa dei Forti’. The event aims to highlight the historical and architectural significance of the two magnificent fortresses on the Grosseto coastline – Forte San Rocco and Forte delle Marze – through an informative and participatory experience.

On Thursday 1 October, at 9.15 pm, the Sala Polivalente in Marina di Grosseto will host a public talk entitled ‘Forte San Rocco and Forte delle Marze: A Brief History of Two Coastal Forts in the Grosseto Area’, led by architect Pietro Pettini.

The event will provide an accessible analysis of the history and evolution of the functions of the Lorraine-era coastal forts: a system for surveillance and military defence of the Grand Ducal coast; logistical and storage hubs (salt depots); and coordination and garrison points for the Lorraine-led large-scale land reclamation campaign in the Maremma. The two forts formed part of the ‘Strada dei Cavalleggeri’ route, established as early as the 16th century by the Medici to defend the Tuscan coastline from privateers and prevent smuggling. The event is organised by the Grosseto FAI Delegation. The evening will conclude with a tasting of local wines from the ‘I Vini di Maremma’ winery.

On Sunday 4 October, the 6th edition of the Corsa dei Forti – Alberto Rainaldi Memorial will take place. This is a running and walking event that starts at Forte Le Marze and follows a picturesque route of around 9 km over mixed terrain (sand, coastal pine forest and tarmac) to Forte San Rocco. The aim of the event is, of course, to symbolically link the two forts, offering an immersive experience of the natural landscape between the coast and the pine forest. Participants should meet at 8.00 am at Forte San Rocco, where a shuttle bus will take them to Forte Le Marze for the start, scheduled for 10.00 am. Registration for the event is available at the Running 42 shop in Grosseto and at Forte San Rocco on the morning of the race until 9.15 am; for further information, call 334 679 9904. The sporting aspect of the event is organised by MareVettaMare ASD and UISP Grosseto.