Guardistallo: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Located between hills by the sea, Guardistallo is ideal for enjoying the charming Tuscan landscape and relaxing beach days. The small town boasts a theater where performances take place in the summer. The noble palaces in the surrounding area and the Convent di Valserena monastery are also worth a visit.
Table of contents
Guardistallo - Must-see attractions
Church of Saints Lawrence and Agatha
The current Chiesa dei Santi Lorenzo e Agata is a reconstruction after the earthquake in 1846. In the bell tower, you can admire two cast bells that survived the earthquake. From the single-nave interior, you catch a magnificent view of the sea. In the dome, you discover frescoes depicting the martyrdom of the eponymous saints. In the right transept, a chapel with murals by Giovanni Giuliani was erected in memory of a Nazi massacre in 1944.
Pretorio Palace
You will find the Palazzo Pretorio on the edge of the center of Montecatini Val di Cecina, set against the backdrop of idyllic wine hills. The castle rises with its sand-colored facades on a small hill and displays a series of exhibits inside. The Palazzo Pretorio was built in the 14th century and served as the town hall of Montecatini Val di Cecina well into the 20th century. Today, you will find the Mining Museum here with extensive information about the region and its history.
Remembrance Park
The Park of Remembrance in Turin is also known as Parco della Maddalena and borders the 715 m high Bric della Maddalena as the highest point of the city. Traverse the Arboretum Taurinense with different tree species. Or discover the Victory Lighthouse on the summit along the 45 km of hiking trails, a bronze statue by Edoardo Rubino commemorating the victims of the First World War. From here you have a magnificent view over Turin and the Western Alps.
Village of Montescudaio
High above Montescudaio towers the old castle, offering a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is surrounded by parts of the fortification walls and the only remaining watchtower, the Guardiola. Nearby is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. In the center lies Piazza Matteotti with the birthplace of the sculptor Italo Griselli. Here also stand the palaces of the noble families Marchionneschi and Ridolfi, who played an important role in the history of Montescudaio. The town hall is housed in the Palazzo Guerrini.
Cecina Marina
Marina di Cecina is a part of the city of Cecina on the Etruscan Riviera in Italy. Its diverse beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag and include, in addition to free and wild sections, traditional beach and adventure baths. There are also many sailing and swimming schools, a large marina, and several riding stables. Furthermore, hiking in the surrounding forest landscape is very popular. In Marina di Cecina, there is a great promenade as well as many culinary highlights.
Pruno Hill
Poggio al Pruno is one of the highest peaks in Tuscany and offers a magnificent view over the green slopes to the Etruscan coast. On clear days, you can even make out the outlines of the island of Corsica on the horizon. You can reach the hill either on foot or by car. Those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush can also race down an exciting mountain bike trail. This descends about 500 meters in altitude down to Bolgheri.
Guardistallo - Secret spots
Pieve di San Giovanni – atmospheric parish church
Located on a green plateau, the parish church Pieve di San Giovanni in the hinterland of Guardistallo and the Etruscan Riviera exudes an atmosphere full of peace. The sandstone-colored house of worship from the 12th century impresses with well-preserved Romanesque-style architecture and a magnificent bell tower with monoforias and dome windows.
Ancient Furnace
Antica Fornace is a historic pottery workshop located in the picturesque village of Guardistallo. Known for its traditional craftsmanship, the workshop specializes in the production of beautiful, handcrafted ceramics made using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations. Visitors to Antica Fornace can watch the skilled artisans at work, shaping, glazing, and firing unique pieces that embody the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The historic parish church of San Giovanni Battista
East of the Italian seaside resort Guardistallo on the Etruscan Riviera is the parish church of San Giovanni Battista from the 11th century. Amidst a green park landscape, the facade of the church building impresses with three semicircular apses in Romanesque style. Particularly impressive is the distinctive baptistery and the original altar inside the nave.
Oratory of the Madonna – the Sanctuary of Guardistallo
Built as a simple oratory in 1770, the Oratorio della Madonna was expanded with three naves and four arches at the end of the 19th century. West of the Etruscan Riviera lies the current parish church in the Italian municipality of Guardistallo. The terracotta busts of Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian adorn the interior of the church.
Guardistallo - In 3 days
Day 1
Upon arrival, explore the small picturesque Guardistallo in the Cecina Valley. It is one of the oldest Tuscan suburbs and has always served to protect the surroundings. Stroll through its narrow streets and admire the charming architecture. In between, refresh yourself with a cappuccino and a Buccellato, a cake spiced with anise and raisins, or a Castagnaccio, the chestnut cake with raisins, pine nuts, and nuts. In the old town, discover two beautiful churches expanded in the second half of the 19th century. The Chiesa di San Lorenzo e Sant’Agata, rebuilt in 1870 after the earthquake in 1846, also houses two bells spared by the earthquake. At the end of the 18th century, the Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine was built. After a typical Tuscan lunch, embark on the 16-kilometer circular hiking trail Val de Cecina west of Guardistallo. This leads you—accompanied by an impressive sea view—through olive groves and vineyards.
Day 2
Early in the morning, you start in the small town of Cecina, about 12 kilometers away. In the coastal town, you visit the archaeological museum. Here, you travel through the history of the Cecina Valley from the Paleolithic to the Roman era, with a focus on the Etruscans. Discover extraordinary finds from the city and the Casale Marittimo necropolis, highlighting the wealth and significance of the Etruscan warrior princes. You also admire the Montescudaio cinerary urn, the jewelry of Belora, and numerous Roman finds from the area. In the museum garden, you linger at the Etruscan Casaglia tomb from the 7th century BC. Afterwards, visit the Bagno Aurora or Bagno Donna di Cuori beach and refresh yourself in the Tyrrhenian Sea. For more action, visit the Acqua Village water park. In the evening, end the day in the old town center of Cecina. Alternatively, watch the incoming boats at the Cecina harbor while enjoying a fine Italian aperitivo.
Day 3
Only 9 kilometers from Guardistallo lies the tranquil village of Casale Marittimo. Its first settlements date back to the year 1000. The old semicircular city wall and the buildings bear numerous traces of history. Discover the medieval architecture and the ruins of the old castle on foot in the historic center between the cobblestone streets. In the heart of the town lies the Chiesa di San Niccolò, whose elegant facade houses valuable religious artworks. The Piazza del Comune, surrounded by historic buildings, is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists. After indulging in Tuscan specialties, explore the lush vineyards and olive groves. You can often taste freshly pressed wines and oils. Not far from Casale Marittimo, culture enthusiasts can discover the remains of an Etruscan village from the 7th century BC and the Etruscan necropolis of Casale Marittimo from the 6th and 7th centuries BC.