PIOMBINO (LIVORNO)

The 'Centro Storico' of Piombino, once capital of a Principality, contains much artistic evidence of its past.

Of particular note, and dating from between 1200 and 1500. are: the medieval fortifications consisting of a keep and outworks, known as 'il Torrione' and 'il Rivellino'. the castle, the churches of la Misericordia and Sant'Antimo, the little church of Cittadella, la Casa delle Bifore ('the House of the Mullioned Windows', 13 thc.) and the Fonti di Marina (ornamental water springs). You can see them in the movie. 

A typical seaside town, Piombino was under the domination of the Appiani and Ludovisi-Boncompagni families before passing to the sister of Napoleon at the beginning of the 19th century.

It was visited by Cesare Borgia (il Valentino), and Leonardo da Vinci who did designs for the fortifications. 

For information contact: 

the A.V.T. office at the Piombino municipality, tel. (0039)0565/63269 

Seasonal office,

Piombino Municipality Tower 

Tel. (0039)0565/225639 

Seasonal office, Fiorentina, 

Tel. (0039)0565/276478.

Si ringrazia per i testi APT Livorno  

WWF OASIS: ORTI - BOTTAGONE MARSH

This area of weatery land extends for about 109 hectares and is the last remaining piece of marshland in the Val di Cornia which until 1832 covered about 1,500 hectares.

Where saltwort grows (Orti) it is a saltwater marsh. and where reeds are prevalent (Bottagone) it is freshwater.
It is the home of many species of birdlife, among which the marsh harrier, the blackwinged stilt, the purple heron which all nest here. 

The greater flamingo, the greater white heron, the little egret the gray heron, the avocet, and the osprey can
all be seen in the course of theyear.

There are paths through the area and two observation points.

It is open to visitors from 1° st Sept. to 31° st May on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Wednesdays are reserved for school visits, for these prior notice is required and they take place either at 9.30 am or 2.30 pm. 

For further information:

Tel. (0039)0565/224361.

E-mail: wwfpiomb@tin.it