Piombino

TERRACE WITH A VIEW ON THE ISLAND OF ELBA

Of Etruscan origin, the city is located on the southern coast of Tuscany region along the Costa degli Etruschi, and is separated from the island of Elba from the Piombino channel. It is situated on a small hill whose top panoramic terrace is South of Piazza Bovio, where clear weather, one can admire the Arcipelago Toscano and even Corsica. The ancient village, which is surrounded by fortification walls throughout its history was under the rule of Pisa, then was conquered by Napoleon Bonaparte and, after its fall, it became part of the domain of Lorena in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

With the industrial revolution developed in cities the Società Anonima Alti Forni e Fonderie di Piombino in 1918 changed its name to Ilva, transforming Piombino in one of the largest industrial centers in Italy. In the city centre you can find: the Palazzo dei Priori, built in 1444, next to which stands the clock tower dating from 1598 and the Castle, building remodeled by Leonardo da Vinci during the restoration of the city's defences and then become a Medici fortress by Cosimo I de' Medici. Inside the Museo del Castello e della città that shows its history with an educational tour, along with a display of pottery and metal pieces that can be placed around the XIV-XVI century.

 

Traditions and typical products

On the Strada del Vino which crosses the city of Piombino derives the precious DOC Val di Cornia based on Vermentino grapes, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia bianca lunga, Ansonica, Viognier, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

In the city the seafood is intertwined with that of the hinterland conquering even the most difficult palate.

 

 

Photo Credits [invaldicornia.it]