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Towns and villages
Giglio Castello
Giglio Castello
Photo © Lokis / Shutterstock
Photo © Lokis / Shutterstock
Towns and villages

Giglio Castello

A fortified village in the middle of the sea, full of charm and character

From Giglio Porto, the picturesque little port of Giglio Island, where ferries from Porto Santo Stefano dock, a narrow, winding road leads to the central and highest part of the island, where, at about 400 meters above sea level, stands Giglio Castello: the administrative headquarters, historical memory and throbbing heart of the second largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago.


The town has preserved the appearance of a medieval fortified village, surrounded by high walls with towers that enclose a maze of alleys surmounted by arches, underpasses, steep stairways carved into the rock and old houses leaning against each other, dominated by the Aldobrandesca Fortress.

Giglio Castello, thanks to its position as a village perched on the top of one of the Mediterranean's jewel islands, offers enchanting views that give a glimpse of Mount Argentario in the background, the island of Elba, the island of Montecristo or Corsica, surrounded by the brilliant blue of the sea. Not surprisingly, it is also one of the 27 Tuscan villages on the official list of "The most beautiful villages in Italy".

What to see in Giglio Castello

The Fortress, also known as Pisan Fortress, is an imposing medieval defensive structure overlooking Piazza XVII Novembre and from which the entire island and the surrounding sea are overlooked, a strategic position of fundamental importance in the past, for the timely sighting of enemy ships and for the possibility of communicating with the mainland by smoke or fire.
The structure was greatly enlarged first by the Aldobrandeschi family, during the 12th century, and later by the Pisans; redevelopment and renovation work was carried out on several occasions in the following centuries. Inside there are rooms for living use, a large cistern, a vegetable garden, spaces for animals and storerooms: everything that could be needed in case of prolonged sieges.

The ancient Church of St. Peter the Apostle, in the upper part of the village, dates from 1100-1200; its Baroque appearance is due to a renovation in 1755. Inside it preserves the treasure of Pope Innocent XII, an ivory crucifix attributed to Giambologna and the reliquary with the arm of St. Mamiliano, patron saint of the island, as well as some weapons abandoned by pirates in 1799.

The Fortress, also known as Pisan Fortress, is an imposing medieval defensive structure overlooking Piazza XVII Novembre and from which the entire island and the surrounding sea are overlooked, a strategic position of fundamental importance in the past, for the timely sighting of enemy ships and for the possibility of communicating with the mainland by smoke or fire.
The structure was greatly enlarged first by the Aldobrandeschi family, during the 12th century, and later by the Pisans; redevelopment and renovation work was carried out on several occasions in the following centuries. Inside there are rooms for living use, a large cistern, a vegetable garden, spaces for animals and storerooms: everything that could be needed in case of prolonged sieges.

The ancient Church of St. Peter the Apostle, in the upper part of the village, dates from 1100-1200; its Baroque appearance is due to a renovation in 1755. Inside it preserves the treasure of Pope Innocent XII, an ivory crucifix attributed to Giambologna and the reliquary with the arm of St. Mamiliano, patron saint of the island, as well as some weapons abandoned by pirates in 1799.

Events

The patron saint of the island and the Castle, St. Mamiliano, is celebrated on September 15, in what is the most important festival of the year.

On the last weekend of September, the Grape and Open Wineries Festival is an opportunity to taste Ansonica, the characteristic local white wine, while in the wine cellars the most typical dishes are put on the table and the village resounds with music and cheerfulness.

The patron saint of the island and the Castle, St. Mamiliano, is celebrated on September 15, in what is the most important festival of the year.

On the last weekend of September, the Grape and Open Wineries Festival is an opportunity to taste Ansonica, the characteristic local white wine, while in the wine cellars the most typical dishes are put on the table and the village resounds with music and cheerfulness.

Directions

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Southern Maremma