When you say Giglio Island, the first things that come to mind are the most beautiful beaches, the several hiking trails, its three villages (Castello, Porto and Campese), the spectacular coves. Yet, the island is not only this. And there are three little-known places that you should visit during the vacation.
- Cala del Saraceno. If you don’t know, it is one of the most beautiful coves on Giglio and it is located in Giglio Porto. On this island, were found Roman coins, various furnishings and skeletons, but also lead pipes used to bring water to a sumptuous villa that was just in cala del Saraceno.
- Piazza della Rocca. Evocative and very ancient, the medieval village of Giglio Castello doesn’t need any introduction, immediately recognizable for its ancient walls and for the imposing Rocca aldobrandesca. Tombstones, carvings and coats of arms are still there, to narrate their story. Such as Piazza della Rocca: you can read the name of Ferdinando II, Dux Etruriae, on the entrance door to the gatehouse. While the coat of arms of Medici family stands on the back of the second gateway to the medieval village.
- Chiesa di San Pietro a Giglio Castello. Place of art and devotion, this church is a small chest that contains priceless treasures: an ivory crucifix by Giambologna (1529-1608); the relic of St. Mamiliano forearm, patron of the island, preserved in a glass case; weapons and items abandoned during the last raid of pirates, in 1799; a Corinthian capital that serves as holy water.
Three little-known places that they say one thing: Giglio Island is always a great surprise.
Image source: Flickr.com/photos/nettaphoto
