Castagneto Carducci
THE BUBBLING VATS
“Listen, sir, I want to tell you about a place with a stunning beauty; a paradise, I dare say, embraced by steep hills that slope down to plains brimming with thriving vineyards and silvery olive groves,” I hear someone say. “And scattered, like ancient seeds on that noble land, lie dwellings and the tower of a castle upon whose black door Count Ugolin knocked.”
“Interesting,” I reply.
“In this pleasant place there is an avenue, unique in all the world, edged by cypress that rise stately and tall in double rows.”
“And where does that avenue take you?”
“It leads to an enchanting village in which sublime wines are sipped.”
“Wines that accompany delicious dishes, I imagine, like the wild boar head,” I reply.
“Precisely!,”My companion responds in wonder.
“And, all of the surrounding countryside is awash with life, history, and pastoral art. A country accented with fragrant pine groves and that kisses the sea through vast beaches and pristine dunes.”
“Goodness!,” Exclaims the man. “And the sunset melts into that sea from which emerge the splendid isles of Elba, Capraia, Gorgona, and the horn of Corsica. But, sir… you already know that!” “I know,” I say. “That is the unforgettable place of my childhood and today bears my surname.” “Tell me, what is your name?”
I extend my hand and take my leave: “My name is Giosuè Carducci. And I thank you for helping me to recapture the memories of my youth.”
SWEET HILLS CROSED BY THE WINE AND OIL ROAD, SHADY PINE FORESTS, AND BEACHES LAPPED BY A CRYSTAL CLEAR SEA
Around the Della Gherardesca castle, on the top of a hill, the medieval village of Castagneto has developed with narrow, cobblestone streets, beautiful squares, artisan workshops, and trattorias. The Praetorian Palace is the seat of the municipality. Among the churches, San Lorenzo is one of the oldest buildings, and the Holy Crucifix preserves a wooden cross dating to the 5th century. The territory is linked closely with the poet Giosuè Carducci.The poem “Davanti a San Guido” (In Front of San Guido) has made famous the avenue with a double row of cypresses, which connects the oratory of San Guido to the village of Bolgheri, where you are greeted by a medieval red brick castle.
Between Castagneto and Bolgheri, the Wine and Oil Road runs along the Etruscan Coast. We are in the heart of Bolgheri DOC, home of Sassicaia and other great wines that are protagonists of wine history, and we have numerous wineries and wine bars. The gastronomic offer is rich and varied, enhanced by the production of quality extra virgin olive oils. Towards the coast, the WWF Oasis Padule di Bolgheri is a splendid example of the native environment of the upper Maremma, and the seaside resort, Marina di Donoratico, offers a succession of beach facilities, open spaces, and a Blue Flag sea. The whole area offers welcoming accommodations and is surrounded by a vast pine forest with a famous playground, “Il Cavallino Matto”.
UFFICI TURISTICI
MARINA DI CASTAGNETO
Via della Marina
Tel. +39 0565.744276
ufficituristici@comune.castagnetocarducci.li.it
CASTAGNETO CARDUCCI
Via Vittorio Emanuele 22, in Borgo
Tel. +39 0565.749705
ufficituristici@comune.castagnetocarducci.li.it;
BOLGHERI
Largo Nonna Lucia 5
Tel. +39 0565.749705
turismo@lastrada delvino.com
castagnetocarducci@costadeglietruschi.eu
