Castagneto Carducci

Castagneto Carducci is a small village, situated on the summit of a hill. Once surrounded by walls, it is now dominated by the castle of the Della Gherardesca family. The whole village is based on concentric rings which face lanes and small squares, very similar to the ancient ones. Castagneto, which includes in its borders the villages of Bolgheri Donoratico, and Marina di Donoratico, presents a large variety of natural environments such as beaches; pine-woods; Maremma-like landscapes; a countryside dotted with villas, cottages and farmhouses; hills having the particular shapes and the typical colours of Tuscany.

In past times, Castagneto Carducci was called Castagneto Della Gherardesca, from the name of the oldest Italian family, whose origins go back to the Barbarian invasions. The castle, built in the XIth century, is still inhabitated by the descendants of that family. In the XIIth century Castagneto was subjected to the political power of Pise, but in 1406 the Republic of Florence took the town under its protection, so that the Della Gherardesca were both confirmed absolute masters of their estates in Maremma, and appointed vicars of the Florentine Government in the castles of Casale, Bibbona, Bolgheri, Donoratico, Castagneto. These privileges (they had only to send soldiers to Florence in case of war) ended in 1749, when grand-ducal domains were abolished. The present name "Castagneto Carducci" was given in 1907 to celebrate the poet Giosuè Carducci who lived in Castagneto and who always loved it.

Churches and buildings of great historical interest can be found in Castagneto.

Castello dei Della Gherardesca -the castle dominates the whole Medieval village. In past times it was completely surrounded by walls, but nowadays only a small part of them is still visible. The bell tower of the castle was re-built in 1930 by using stones found near the castle of Donoratico.
Piazzale Belvedere - the view from that square is wonderful.
Comune - the Town Hall is an old building, situated near an arch which probably belonged to the old Medieval walls. A beautiful tabernacle and earthenware of the XIVth century can be admired upon the arch.
Propositura di San Lorenzo - it faces via Indipendenza and it can be reached through the various drives of the castle. Its origins are unknown. Numerous frescos, a baptismal font and several altars dated XIXth/XXth century are here preserved.
Chiesa del Santo Crocifisso - It dates back to the year 1587 and derives its name from a wooden crucifix of the XVth century. Recently (1922) it has been restored at the request of Walfredo Della Gherardesca.
Centro carducciano - This centre was open to public in 1992 to celebrate the poet Giosuè Carducci. It is situated in Via Carducci, and more precisely, in the house where the poet lived.