Tirli: Churches, Paths and Maremma Nature

Tirli is set among the hills at an altitude of 580 metres. Several themes come together here to help you plan your trip: the history of the parish church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo, walking and cycling routes, wildlife watching, and regional cuisine. The routes differ noticeably in character: one section of the Cammino del Venerabile Giovanni climbs uphill to Tirli, while the Punta Ala–Tirli cycling route connects the coast with the hinterland. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up whether churches, activity, scenery or food are the deciding factors for you.

Churches and history

Construction of the present-day parish church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo began in 1668, and it was solemnly consecrated on 30 November 1674. The start of construction and the consecration mark different stages in its history. The church also houses relics of Saint William of Malavalle. The dates put the building’s history in context; the relics offer another point of religious significance.

Just outside Tirli lies the Eremo di Sant’Anna, a small church in the woods. Padre Giovanni founded it in the 17th century as a hermitage of the Augustinian order. The present-day church of Sant’Anna was built in 1971 on the ruins of the former hermitage. This distinguishes the hermitage’s historical foundation from the later construction of the church.

Walking through the surrounding area

The Cammino del Venerabile Giovanni runs 2.5 kilometres uphill from the church of Sant’Anna to Tirli. This section’s starting point, direction and distance are therefore clear. Another stage of the Cammino, Scarlino–Tirli, passes through the woods of the Bandite di Scarlino area.

These offer different points of reference for understanding the walking sections: the route from Sant’Anna can be described by its starting point, climb and distance, while the woodland setting is the focus of the Scarlino–Tirli stage. If you are interested in the Cammino, you can distinguish between a clearly measured climb to Tirli and a stage through the woodland area.

Cycling between the coast and the hinterland

The Punta Ala–Tirli cycling route runs between the Maremma coast and the Maremma hinterland, reaching Tirli’s historic centre. From Tirli, the route offers wide-ranging views across the Grosseto plain. It therefore combines a change in regional landscape with a clearly defined destination in the historic town centre and a panorama that opens up from Tirli.

The geographical focus here differs from that of the Cammino: the walking route describes a climb from Sant’Anna to Tirli, while the cycling route runs between the coast and the hinterland. Comparing the two activities as you plan your trip gives you different points of reference for exercise and scenery.

Nature and regional cuisine

Wild boar, hares, roe deer and pheasants can be spotted in the countryside around Tirli. These animals give nature enthusiasts specific species to look out for. Together with the woods of the Bandite di Scarlino, they add a distinct nature-focused element alongside the churches and routes described here.

Tirli has numerous traditional restaurants. Maremma specialities include, in particular, dishes made with wild boar and other game. This culinary offering adds a regional element to the themes of hiking, cycling and churches, without implying that every restaurant or menu is the same.

Discover other destinations: Punta Ala, Vetulonia, Roccamare, Buriano

For the overview of the wider area: Castiglione Della Pescaia.