Castiglioncello is in the Comune of Rosignano Marittimo in the Province of Livorno on the Tuscan coast. The small town sits on a cliff surrounded by pine forest. It began as a fishing village at the time of the Etruscans.
Between 1889 and 1891 Baron Fausto Lazaro Patrone built Pasquini Castle in the neo-medieval style. It was his desire to create a seaside resort. The castle is above the town, surrounded by a large garden.
I was delighted by the enormous dragon on a corner of the castle. I have a tiny version at Casa Debbio, not quite as impressive.
I liked his smile.
In the grounds around the castle we found a small amphitheatre, a chapel and an odd little fountain.
Castiglioncello became famous in the 1960s as a seaside holiday destination favoured by Marcello Mastroianni and Alberto Sordi. It was the set of the movie Il Sorpasso, which starred Vittorio Gassman, who made his home there.
The pretty beach on Quercetano Bay is reached by a set of steep steps from the town centre. It was almost empty when we arrived mid week. There wasn’t much life in the town either. The season has not yet started.
Below the car park, shaded by pine trees, we walked down to a cove with a restaurant (not open) and a small beach.
Later in the day we walked around a boardwalk to the next town where there is a marina filled with boats waiting for their owners to turn up.
I have to say that the beach beside the boardwalk is one of the most unattractive I have seen in a long time. The boardwalk was busy with walkers who seemed not to notice and were just happy to be out walking in the afternoon sun. The photo makes it look much better than it is.
We enjoyed a pretty Tuscan sunset.
Castiglioncello will surely be lovely in the coming months (except for that beach). Stick with the one with white sand. The train comes right into the centre of the town, which would probably be the best way to arrive in town on a busy summer day.