The Chiesa dell’Immacolata is a beautiful church, and worth a visit, while in Piombino.
Nearby is the Museo Archeologico del Territorio di Populonia. The museum is housed in what used to be part of the Citadel, once home to the Princess Elisa Baciocchi, sister of Napoleon. This is a wonderful museum, filled to the brim with things to see. Again, as is the case in most of the museums in the smaller cities, I had the place pretty much to myself.
This fish mosaic dates back to the 2nd century BC.
The Tesoretto Rimigliano are Roman coins that were found at sea, and are now kept submerged. Also on view is the famous Silver Amphora of Baratti, an amphora from the 4th century BC, which was discovered by being pulled up in the nets of one of the local fishermen. It is decorated with 134 beautiful medallions.
In the piazza through which one enters the museum is also located the quaint, lovely little church, the Cappella della Madonna di Cittadella. The chapel was named this way, after a terracotta Madonna and Child, by Andrea della Robbia, was kept inside.
In the same piazza, there is also a beautiful cistern. The Cisterna di Cittadella was built by Andrea di Francesco Guardi.
On the opposite side of the museum, from the Piazza, there is a part of the city’s defensive walls, designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
Piombino’s train station is located right in the middle of town.
The Castle, or Cassero Pisano, was built under Cosimo I de’ Medici, and now houses the Museum of the Castle and of the City. Unfortunately, for me, it was being renovated, and was not open to the public at the time of my visit. I will have to wait for my next trip to Piombino, to explore it further.
Once again, I stumbled upon the city’s cemetery.
Outside of the castle, there is a cat sanctuary.
I ate at two restaurants that deserve mentioning. The first, Enoteca di Via Mozza, is right on the main pedestrian street in the Old Town. Being an enoteca, they have a wonderful selection of wine, as well as oil and other products for sale. The food was very good (pasta with ricci di mare, or sea urchins), and the portions were large. The second was a place called La Sirena. It is located at Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi 5/a. This is a bar/café during the day, but in the evenings, a small room to the side becomes a dining room. A cab driver recommended it to me, and I am so glad that I listened to him. The food here is wonderful! It is home cooking at its best! Because Piombino is on the sea, the menu is entirely made up of fish dishes. Everything is fresh! I loved my meal!
Next up: Ladispoli!
Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear. If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Piombino, as well as other Italian destinations. Grazie!