The Territory

AMID NATURE, REST AND CULTURE

The Agritourism Castiglioncello, despite being surrounded by greenery, represents the perfect accomodation from which you can leave to reach the wonders of Tuscany and of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine. Sure enough, you can choose a hike in the countryside, walking in Migliana and in the Bisenzio valley, or you can transfer by car to discover the many wonders of a holiday in Tuscany: relaxation, history, nature, art, culture, literature, wellness, excitement and adventure. There’s nothing to do but to leave and choose what you prefer!
Your ideal holiday is waiting for you in Tuscany, at the Agritourism Castiglioncello!

Migliana

Migliana is a little Tuscan town, in the heart of the Bisenzio valley, founded in the Roman age; it then underwent the Langobards’ domination and later, it became a little centre in the Counts Alberti’s territories, during the Middle Ages. Perfect for horse rides or to savour delicious specialities – like “necci” (a sort of pancakes made of chestnut flour) or “cantuccini” (chocolate or almond biscuits), Migliana is also at the core of a legend characterised by different versions: indeed, the ruins of the little castle of Migliana seem to be linked to a fatal-ending love story, even though the different interpretations disagree on the epilogue. You just have to indulge your passion for nature and discoveries, and come here to appreciate the fresh water spring and the mysteries of Migliana!

Val di Bisenzio

Beyond a quiet and silent aspect, the Bisenzio valley presents numerous historical curiosities: intertwined little misteries, legends and historical events, all to be revealed during your holiday! Garibaldi went through this valley, trying to get at Genoa after the fall of the Roman Republic; it’s here that the writer Curzio Malaparte has craved his grave; and, during Second World War, the Gothic line offensive run through this valley. In the Middle Ages, instead, the valley was part of the territories of Counts Alberti, who, according to legends, did not open the doors of their fortress to the “Supreme Poet”, Dante Alighieri, during a snowfall. Legend has it that, for this reason, Alighieri placed the two Alberti brothers, fratricide-dead, in the Caina of Inferno (where traitors to blood relatives are punished), referring to the place of its misadventure too:

“Quand'io m'ebbi dintorno alquanto visto,
volsimi a' piedi, e vidi due sì stretti,
che 'l pel del capo avieno insieme misto.”
[…] “Se vuoi saper chi son cotesti due,
la valle onde Bisenzo si dichina
del padre loro Alberto e di lor fue.
D'un corpo usciro; e tutta la Caina
potrai cercare, e non troverai ombra
degna più d'esser fitta in gelatina;”
(Dante Alighieri, La Divina Commedia, Inferno, Canto XXXII, lines 40-42, 55-60)

Firenze (35 minutes)

Visited by millions of tourists coming from every part of the world each year and a UNESCO “World Heritage Site”: it is Florence, a jewel beyond words, wonderful by day, a dream by night, and it definitely deserves a visit. It is so full of artistic, historical, naturalistic and scientific beauties, that it looks like one single infinite museum, which never ceases to amaze. In the city symbol of the Renaissance, you can not help but admire the masterpieces of Giotto, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, and visit the cathedral, the Boboli gardens and the Uffizi. You can walk along Ponte Vecchio, or relish the sight of the city mirrored in the Arno river from Piazzale Michelangelo. Florence: an absolutely unmissable tour in art and beauty!

Pisa (80 minutes)

Present and past, culture and history blend in Pisa, historical Maritime Republic and city witness to Galileo Galilei’s studies. Three symbols of the old town center – the most famous Tower in the world, the Cathedral and the Baptistry – embody its soul and welcome the tourists who visit the Square of Miracles. Not only the Pisan centre, but the whole surrounding territory is rich in wonderful perspectives and marvels to be discovered, such as the towers of Cascina, the Museo Leonardiano in Vinci – native place of the genius of the Renaissance – and the Calci Charterhouse, with its collection of natural history and its evocative architecture.

Siena (90 minutes)

Traditions, flavours and the artistic heritage of Siena cannot but enchant its visitors, in a medieval atmosphere. The Cathedral, recently restored and superb expression of the Romanesque- Gothic architecture, is a magnificent treasure chest of artworks and the distinctive shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is one of the most beautiful squares of the Middle Ages. Several events enliven the city and the most well-known among these is undoubtedly the Palio, the most famous horse race in Italy, strictly linked to the life of the Sienese “contrade” and characterized by ancient origins: the first Palio took place in the XII century and it still succeeds in changing Piazza del Campo with its energy and its folklore every summer.

Lucca (50 minutes)

Lucca: a treasure, protected by its walls; a city where you can still breath an evocative
Middle ages atmosphere, rich in magic. You can go for a bicycle ride along the ramparts, in the shadow of the centuries old trees, to appreciate the so-called “city of a hundred churches”; or you can choose to visit one of its numerous museums, churches and palaces, built in all ages. Walking in Lucca and getting lost among its amenities is an archaeology, art and culture travel. Among several chefs-d’oeuvre, you can discover the masterpieces of Tintoretto, Nicola Pisano and Jacopo della Quercia, and the cedar-wood crucifix – the Holy Face of Lucca – in St Martin’s Cathedral, otherwise, you can take 230 steps, walking up the Guinigi Tower stairs, until reaching the hanging garden on its roof, to admire Lucca and its hills from on high. Moreover, there’re many artistic and cultural events in the center of this city, all the year round and, among them, Lucca can count “Lucca Comics and Games”: the main Italian comic book, cartoon movie and gaming convention, and the third most popular comic festival in the world.

San Gimignano (60 minuti)

This quiet Middle Ages village stands out on the top of a hill, with its unmistakable turreted skyline, and it has been designated as a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO.
Walking in the shadow of its famous and beautiful turrets is a unique experience that you can not miss…along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan coutryside.