Castiglione della Pescaia

Equipped beaches, clear waters and excellent services: the blue flag Castiglione

Situated in the heart of the Maremma Grossetana, between Follonica and Grosseto, Castiglione della Pescaia is a nice seaside town famous for its excellent services for tourists and its elegant beaches overlooking a crystal-clear sea, which has consolidated its success over the years being awarded several times with the Blue Flag certificate.

The paradise of italo calvino

The writer Italo Calvino, who spent there the last years of his life, was inspired by the beauty of Castiglione della Pescaia and he was living in the village when he wrote some of his greatest novels. In Castiglione della Pescaia take place the scenes of the novel Palomar. The great writer is buried in the village cemetery.

The history of Castiglione della Pescaia

Castiglione della Pescaia was a populous settlement in Roman times and has experienced all the up and down during its history. It is resurfaced in the 10th century under joint protection of the Republic of Pisa. The village become a free Municipality in the 14th century under the protection of Florence until 1446 when the troops of Alfonso I of Aragon took the castle. Later it was donated to Siena which in 1559 sold Castiglione della Pescaia to the Medici and was incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany with the title of marquisate of Castiglione.

Castiglione castle: the fortified city

The old bastion of 11th century, perched on the rock of Poggio Petriccio, is still largely surrounded by medieval walls built by the Pisans and the Aragonese, including several houses and shops.
The heart of the town is right next to Corso della Libertà , which is one of the most popular places to enjoy the nightlife in the summer. The Castle dominates the village offering a superb view of the harbor and the coast of Castiglione della Pescaia.
In this beautiful town one can admire the Eleonora Palace – built by Cosimo de ‘Medici for his wife Eleonora of Toledo, and the church of St. John the Baptist, a church of medieval origin, almost completely restored in the 16th century, and famous for its bell tower built in the 20th century in a gothic style.

Il Palio Marinaro

The Palio Marinaro organized in the second half of August is a rowing boat race between the five districts of the popular seaside port and town of Castiglione della Pescaia. The race is followed by a spectacular fireworks show. Not to be missed are also a parade of illuminated vessels and the food festival which includes the culinary traditions of Castiglione della Pescaia, well known for its fish dishes.

How to get to Castiglione della Pescaia

Approximately 23 km north of Grosseto, Castiglione della Pescaia can be reached from the SS1 Aurelia Road, take exit Follonica (coming from north) or Grosseto South (coming from the south) and then continue direction S322 and follow the signs to the city center.
There are daily direct connections with RAMA buses from the main cities of Tuscany.