frazione

A frazione is a hamlet or small village that depends administratively on a larger commune, the capoluogo. In Maremma, you'll see plenty of them. Often, the frazione is more charming, more authentic, and sometimes even more populated than the county seat itself. That's where you'll find the real gems: the little Romanesque church, the family restaurant, the café where the old folks play cards. Don't always trust the size of the capoluogo on the map; the neighboring frazione might well be your favorite spot. That's where local life is in full swing, far from the hustle and bustle of the better-known centers.