Set on a green hilltop,
this historic village is
distinguished by its castle
built around 1100 and
fortified in the 16th century.
Dominating a magnificent
view of the sea and the
surrounding hills stands
the Fattoria Arcivescovile,
ancient palace which
now houses the town
hall.
The keeps, the splendid
cistern and a church
dedicated to St Hilary
are fascinating and well
preserved.
The parish church
contains a wooden
crucifix dating from
the 1300s and a beautiful
15th-century painting,
La Madonna delle Grazie.
Palazzo Bombardieri
houses the
Archaeological Museum,
where ancient remains
from prehistoric
to medieval eras found
locally are on display.
Every year in the days
before Christmas, live
scenes from the Nativity
are enacted in the narrow
paved streets and little
squares, giving the town
a magical atmosphere.
The view from the
cluster-pine and
Mediterranean scrub
shaded Poggetti Park
stretches from
Castiglioncello to the
Gulf of Baratti.
Trails and paths lead to
fascinating reminders
of the past, such as the
washing troughs at
Poggetti Fountain and
the windmill.
Fascinating historic and
folklore events take place
in the town, such as
those celebrating local
food and wine.
|
|
