Surroundings
Castiglioncello
Castello Pasquini
The Pasquini Castle is located in Castiglioncello, in the municipality of Rosignano Marittimo, next to the train station.
It was built in 1889 as a residence for the baron Lazzaro Patrone.
In 1981 it became property of the municipal management of Rosignano Marittimo, which, in time, used the castle to house numerous shows and cultural events.
Punta Righini
An amazing, few kilometres-long esplanade ringed by cliffs along Castiglioncello’s headland, immersed in complete silence broken only by the waves crashing in the small bays where passers-by can bathe.
Its destination is Punta Righini (‘Righini Point’) where, during windy days, one can enjoy the sight of the force of nature unleashed.
Pineta Marradi
The beauty of the Marradi Pinewood can be enjoyed both in summer and winter: playgrounds, a miniature golf course and an apeak terrace facing the sea will welcome you with plenty of shade and fresh breeze.
How can one not be tempted by the idea of a cold, home-made ice cream during a walk on a hot summer day?
Baia del Quercetano
The ‘Quercetano Bay’ offers one of the most beautiful views of the Etruscan Coast: the blazing sunsets reflecting in the crystal-clear water and the beaches ringed by the rocky cliffs will surely leave you breathless.
Bolgheri
Bolgheri
Situated in the Etruscan inland at less than 10 km from the sea, the small hamlet of Bolgheri awaits you.
The famous, 5 km long, Cypress tree alley will take you to the gates of the Tuscan village.
Bolgheri is perfect for a relaxing walk amongst the peculiar shops and streets whilst enjoying a snack or an aperitif.
Livorno
Terrazza Mascagni
The Mascagni ‘Terrace’ is one of the most beautiful and elegant places of Livorno: a suggestive belvedere towards the sea near the Viale Italia.
Since the violent storm tides deeply damaged it over time, it has been completely restored during the Nineties, including the nearby green areas as well as the distinctive Gazebo.
Quartiere Venezia
The ‘New Venice’ is a popular neighbourhood in Livorno, the only area of the city that wasn’t destroyed during the Second World War.
Every summer, usually during July or August, the district hosts a folkloristic festival, ‘Effetto Venezia’ (‘The Venice effect’), as the streets are flooded with stalls, shows and cultural events.
Fortezza Vecchia
The ‘Old Fortress’ is a fortification that rises next to Livorno’s Medicean Harbour.
Frequently repaired and reconstructed during the years, it encapsulates the entire history of Livorno, from its origins to the modern days.
In fact, according to a local legend, one could find an antique inscription in one of the vaults of the fortress that read: “I, Coscetto da Colle, was the first to climb Jerusalem’s walls”, hinting at the First Crusade in the Holy Land.
Fortezza Nuova
The ‘New Fortress’ is a part of Livorno’s fortification that includes the old “Saint Francis’ Bastion”, part of the pentagonal city planned by Bernardo Buontalenti.
It originally also included the “Saint Barbera Bastion”, until it was partly demolished in order to make room for the expanding neighbourhood of ‘New Venice’.
Acquario comunale
The Local Aquarium Diacinto Cestone can be found in Livorno, next to the peculiar Terrazza Mascagni.
It is the biggest aquarium in Tuscany and the only one to host a Greco-Roman archeologic marine area that also features a suggestive reproduction of a shipwreck.
Volterra
Volterra
Atop a hill one hour away from the sea and slightly more distant from Pisa, Firenze and Siena, the small medieval village of Volterra deserves all of your attention: either for a one-day-long trip or for a relaxing weekend, you can explore and discover Volterra’s history, art and, why not, cuisine.
Pisa
Piazza dei Miracoli
The ‘Square of Miracles’ is Pisa’s most important centre of art and tourism, in fact, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Here you can admire the monuments which represent the centre of the local religious life: the Cathedral, the Baptistry, the Bell Tower and the Monumental Cemetery.
The popular name of ‘Square of Miracles’ derives from an Italian novel, ‘Forse che sì forse che no’ written by Gabriele d’Annunzio in which he uses the term ‘meadow of Miracles’ to describe the charming beauty of the place.