Castiglione della Pescaia, in the province of Grosseto, is a beautiful seaside village which, with the beauty of its beaches, combines the wonder of uncontaminated nature. Perched on a promontory on the Maremma coast, the town enjoys numerous and vast green areas, ideal for those who love doing sports or long walks on foot or on horseback in the woods, looking for an oasis of peace and tranquility. The "green lung" in which it is immersed is home to various animals, including interesting avifauna, and rich vegetation. The locality is, in fact, known for its large pine forests, which extend up to Marina di Grosseto, where they end with the Tombolo pine forest.
Fishing village
Castiglione della Pescaia is so called because it is an ancient fishing village. In its picturesque canal port there are several pleasure boats and every evening fishing boats dock with their cargo. Its wonderful beaches of fine, clear sand attract Italian and international tourists. The seaside resort is, in fact, very popular because it combines the beauty of the places with numerous accommodation facilities and high quality services.
Here tourists can practice sailing sports and enjoy a seaside life full of countless opportunities for leisure and entertainment. Alternatively, you can enjoy the large coastal spaces where you can contemplate uncontaminated nature away from noise and crowding. Among the most anticipated and well-known events in Castiglione della Pescaia include: the Palio Marinaro, a competition that takes place in summer on rowing boats between the districts of the town; The Vetulonia Palio, a traditional donkey race that takes place in September; The Ball tournament eh!, a game of very ancient origins.
The castle and other places to visit
The historic center of Castiglione della Pescaia is interesting and rich in history. The ancient medieval village is closed by a wall with towers, portals and a XNUMXth century Aragonese castle, perched on the top. From here you can enjoy a splendid panorama that allows you to admire Monte Argentario and some islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.
La Urbica gate gives access to the ancient village. Inside the walls it is located Centurions Palace, probably the oldest monumental building in the village, and the small church of Santa Maria del Giglio. Also interesting and worth visiting is Church of St. John the Baptist with its characteristic bell tower. So is the cemetery, where the writer is buried Italo Calvino, in love with this corner of the Maremma.
To the east of the town, in ancient times there was the Prile lake, an Etruscan possession, which dried up over the centuries. In its place a vast swamp was formed, later remedied by an impressive reclamation work by the Grand Dukes of Lorraine. Today, in that place, there is the nature reserve of Diaccia Botrona, considered the most significant wetland area in Italy and an area of international importance for its rare ecosystem.
(Photo: Municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia, Facebook Page; www.castiglionedellapescaia.biz)
