Castagneto Carducci

The chestnut countryside has discovered in recent years, almost by chance, that it has become the capital of outdoor tourism. In the ranking of the most livable tourist resorts, drawn up by Legambiente, Castagneto Carducci was the first in Tuscany and the third in the world; Castagneto Carducci has been awarded the Blue Flag six times in the last ten years, an award given by the EEC to seaside resorts with the most efficient services and the cleanest sea. The toponym derives from “castaneam” and is therefore linked to local resources.

The most plausible explanation is that chestnut was used not for its fruit, but as coal and steel kiln lumber. Castagneto Carducci is a small village located on the top of the hill dominated by the Castello dei Conti della Gherardesca, once surrounded by walls. Around the Castle, which in its long history underwent numerous renovations, like the parish church whose construction probably dates back to the year 1000, the urban center has developed according to a pattern of concentric rings that give life to a system of streets, alleys and squares .

The center of the town is via Vittorio Emanuele, which ends in Piazza del Popolo, behind which there is a natural terrace whose name, Piazzale Belvedere, lets you imagine the beauty that can be scrutinized by turning your gaze to this splendid panorama. Numerous historical and tourist events take place in this square during the year.