"A chance encounter" Castiglion Fiorentino by iandsmith

Castiglion Fiorentino Travel Guide: 12 reviews and 14 photos

..the near deserted streets... - Castiglion Fiorentino

Arezzo had let me down. I had tried to get into a hotel and when I heard the price I thought, "I don't want to buy the hotel, I just want a room for the night." So I found myself en route to Cortona yet again, eyes peeled for one of those brown B&B signs indicating accommodation, of hopefully more modest tariff, not too far away.
The first one I drove into I was uncertain where the reception area was and also it looked expensive so I opted, after a few minutes and no service apparent, to head off south again.
I had just passed a town called Castiglion when I saw a promising lead. I headed down a country lane for a couple of kilometres and I struck paydirt. (see accommodation pages)
Since it was well after dark and I hadn't pre-booked, the only real option for dinner was to dine out. Thus it was that I found myself on the near-deserted streets of Castiglion Florentino in the chill of early spring air looking for a restaurant.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Authentic, historic, uncrowded
Cons:Not a lot of it
In a nutshell:If you like the hill top towns of Tuscany, it has my recommendation

Last visit to Castiglion Fiorentino: Mar 2004
Intro Updated Nov 28, 2004
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Reviews (10)

Cock-a-doodle-doo Hotels (2)

So there I was, wandering the aforesaid pathway when I was assailed by a cacophany of fowl noises. No doubt... more travel advice

The ups and downs Favorites (8)

Castiglion doesn't have a plateau, the result is that everything is either up or down. The peak is more like a pimple... more travel advice

A contrast indeed - Castiglion Fiorentino

Standing tall Favorites (8)

The front of the Collegiata di San Giuliano 14th. It's a fair assumption that, in a town that suffered damage during... more travel advice

Room with a view - Castiglion Fiorentino

A view to history Favorites (8)

The historic coats of arms line the wall preceding the view over the bell tower. more travel advice

Comments (6)

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Yaqui Jan 3, 2006 at 10:34 AM

Howdy! I love to visit historical places. Wonderful photographs and this intro photo is simly stunning! Great job!
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xaver Jan 10, 2005 at 9:32 PM

Can't believe there is a page about Castiglioni, did you try their olive oil? I go there every year and bring back home enough kilos for the winter.
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Bwana_Brown Dec 20, 2004 at 10:54 PM

Ian, a very nice vignette of your brief stop-over here! Great photos and insights into this little Italian village!!
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deecat Dec 9, 2004 at 9:05 PM

Another insightful Ian adventure. You create a myriad of visions in the reader's "mind's eye"...they linger longer after the read. Terrific except for the cat swinging vision!
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freya_heaven Nov 25, 2004 at 2:50 PM

Just beautiful, great atmospheric night photos, I loved the room with a view too. Very nice Ian (~_~)
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unravelau May 22, 2004 at 9:45 PM

Italy seems to be dotted around with these beautiful little townships with interesting buildings and charming b&b's. Lovely photo Ian too, thank you.