Castiglioncello (Municipality of Firenzuola): the woods of the mysterious traveller
This is not the famous seaside village in the province of Livorno. Castiglioncello (Municipality of Firenzuola) is a small settlement in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, nestled in a completely different landscape: woods, country lanes, mountains, ruins, paths overgrown with vegetation and profound silence. It is a destination particularly suited to those seeking hiking, photography and nature tourism.
Walking through the Apennine countryside
We are, however, talking about a completely abandoned village where there are buildings and industrial structures dating back to the early 20th century. Within the village there is a splendid church complete with a tower and bell. As it is a ghost village, with no inhabitants, there is no electricity; indeed, at night the only light comes from the full moon. The village also has retaining walls that have surrounded it for centuries.
In the surrounding area, there are small waterfalls and streams plunging down from the rocky cliffs. Come spring, when the snow melts in the nearby mountains, they begin to rush swiftly down into the valley.
The main activity to enjoy in Castiglioncello (in the municipality of Firenzuola) is hiking. The surrounding area offers forest tracks, footpaths and trails through chestnut groves and woods, ideal for walks of varying lengths.
The main activity to enjoy in Castiglioncello (Municipality of Firenzuola) is hiking. The surrounding area offers forest tracks, footpaths and trails through chestnut groves and woods, ideal for walks of varying lengths.
A hike can be organised as a circular route, spending a few hours exploring the rural landscape, others visiting archaeological sites or historical landmarks, and finally relaxing in the meadows. In summer, it is best to set off in the morning, when temperatures are cooler. Before setting out on a route, it is important to check the route, elevation gain and condition of the paths, or to seek the assistance of experienced mountain guides: in the Apennines, some sections are remote and little-used.
The landscape changes significantly with the seasons: the intense green of spring gives way to the warm colours of autumn, whilst winter highlights the structure of the mountains and woods. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to photograph the ridges and valleys.
The Wayfarer of Castiglioncello
The isolated nature of Castiglioncello (in the municipality of Firenzuola) lends itself naturally to ghost stories, with sightings and suspicious noises. One of the recurring tales tells of the mysterious wayfarer who disappeared whilst travelling through the woods. Some say that the soul of the man, who fell into one of the rocky ravines – almost entirely hidden by the vegetation – did not realise he was dead.
According to the story, the man was said to have been travelling through the area on a particularly cold evening, seeking shelter within the village before darkness fell completely. Unfortunately, however, he was not made to feel welcome and decided to carry on walking, hoping to reach the neighbouring village during the night. In the darkness, and unfamiliar with the area, he fell down a ravine. His body was then swept away. Since then, not only has the traveller never reached the neighbouring villages, but he has been constantly searching for his body, which was carried away by the currents.
From that moment on, his figure is said to have appeared occasionally along the ancient paths, especially on foggy days.
The legend describes a silhouette walking slowly amongst the trees, without speaking and leaving no trace. Some accounts claim that the figure vanishes when anyone tries to approach it. It is worth noting that some people who have fallen or been injured whilst climbing towards the village have been rescued or stopped by the ghost itself, almost as if to save their lives. Is this reality or fantasy? You can find out for yourselves by visiting this beautiful ghost village.
