The best traffic-free bike rides around San Vincenzo

Der Heilige Justus von Triest (so die deutsche Bezeichnung von „San GIUSTO“), dem man dieses Gotteshaus zum Patrozinium anvertraut hat, führt uns weit mehr als ein-einhalb Jahrtausende zurück in der Kirchengeschichte. Sein – aus dem lateinischen hergeleiteter – Name bedeutet: der Gerechte. Wie die später verfasste Heiligenlegende berichtet, soll er um das Jahr 303 unter Kaiser Diokletian, der die Christen brutal verfolgte, das Martyrium (Blutzeugnis) erlitten haben. Zeichen hierfür ist die in den Darstellungen von San Giusto oftmals zu findende Palme in seiner Hand.

Spiaggia di Baratti is a fascinating sandy expanse nestled in the homonymous horseshoe-shaped gulf, located in the municipality of Piombino, along the famous Etruscan Coast. This stretch of coast is unique for its deep bond between unspoiled nature and millennia-old archaeology. Ferrous sand: the beach is known for its fine sand with golden, reddish, and black-silvery hues. This coloration shines in the sun due to hematite residues linked to the ancient ironworking by the Etruscans.

Cala San Quirico is a natural and wild bay nestled between the cliffs of the Piombino promontory, in Tuscany, not far from the famous Buca delle Fate. It is an unspoiled beach mainly composed of pebbles and large stones, famous for the clarity of its turquoise waters and its rocky seabed ideal for snorkeling. As it is not accessible by car, it retains a peaceful and sheltered atmosphere.

The Pieve di San Giusto in Suvereto is one of the most important and fascinating Romanesque buildings in the province of Livorno. Located at the entrance to the medieval village in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, its existence has been documented since 923. The current building, however, dates back to 1189, the year it was rebuilt by the masters Barone Amico and Bono da Calci. It features elements of light limestone alternating with dark bands of a typically Pisan style. The main entrance is flanked by two columns supporting two apotropaic lions. The structure has a single nave with a visible wooden truss ceiling. Inside, an ancient, finely decorated marble baptismal font is preserved. In an internal niche, there are remains of medieval frescoes; on the transept, the epigraph attesting to the completion date (1189) is still legible.

When talking about the fortifications of Suvereto, it is necessary to distinguish: La Rocca Aldobrandesca: It is the highest fortified complex in the village, built for military purposes to guard the fief. It includes a quadrangular tower (medieval period) and a palace. Today, it also houses a museum. Il Palazzo Comunale: The administrative heart, built in 1201. It is located in the center of the village and is topped by the Campanone tower (or clock tower). It is famous for the Loggia dei Giudici. Il Torrione: It is the main southern access gate (dated 14th-15th century) that opens into the defensive wall. La Porticciola: Also known as Porta di Sopra, it is the northern gate of the village. Also dating back to the medieval period (around 1300), it served as a second checkpoint.

The Romanesque portal of the Pieve di San Giusto in Suvereto. The facade is decorated with an elegant portal surmounted by a round arch, famous for its carved capitals. Although it existed before the year 1000, the current structure was rebuilt in the 12th century.

The historic center of Campiglia Marittima is a well-preserved medieval Tuscan village on the Etruscan Coast, perched on a hill with panoramic views. Characterized by cobbled alleys, arches, and ancient walls, it houses the Rocca di Campiglia, the Palazzo Pretorio, the Pieve di San Giovanni, and offers picturesque views, artisan shops, and typical taverns.

The Church of San Giusto is the guardian of millennia-old stories and a timeless charm. A majestic church, whose origins date back to between the 9th and 12th centuries, located next to the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, it is not only a sacred building, but a piece of history can be found in every corner. Named after San Giusto, bishop of Volterra, its origins are linked to the legend of the African exiled bishops, San Giusto, San Cerbone, San Fiorenzo, and San Regolo, who landed in the Val di Cornia in the 6th century, leaving an indelible mark throughout the valley. It is no coincidence, in fact, that San Fiorenzo is the patron saint of Campiglia Marittima and the Cathedral of Massa Marittima is dedicated to San Cerbone. The gabled façade, the evocative portal, and the quatrefoil rose window, with its black and white band decoration, are hallmarks of the Tuscan Romanesque style.