Giglio Castello

The Fortress, also known as Pisan Fortress, is an imposing medieval defensive structure overlooking Piazza XVII Novembre and from which the entire island and the surrounding sea are overlooked, a strategic position of fundamental importance in the past, for the timely sighting of enemy ships and for the possibility of communicating with the mainland by smoke or fire.
The structure was greatly enlarged first by the Aldobrandeschi family, during the 12th century, and later by the Pisans; redevelopment and renovation work was carried out on several occasions in the following centuries. Inside there are rooms for living use, a large cistern, a vegetable garden, spaces for animals and storerooms: everything that could be needed in case of prolonged sieges.

The ancient Church of St. Peter the Apostle, in the upper part of the village, dates from 1100-1200; its Baroque appearance is due to a renovation in 1755. Inside it preserves the treasure of Pope Innocent XII, an ivory crucifix attributed to Giambologna and the reliquary with the arm of St. Mamiliano, patron saint of the island, as well as some weapons abandoned by pirates in 1799.

The patron saint of the island and the Castle, St. Mamiliano, is celebrated on September 15, in what is the most important festival of the year.

On the last weekend of September, the Grape and Open Wineries Festival is an opportunity to taste Ansonica, the characteristic local white wine, while in the wine cellars the most typical dishes are put on the table and the village resounds with music and cheerfulness.