11.5.8 A CASTLE CALLED CAPALBIO

“O…M…G… Look at that view”, gasps DL.
“Yeah… Breathtaking, do your think anyone actually lives here?” asks Sara
“Well…. there’s a TV on in this one.” Remarks Phyllis
“This is Incredible, just incredible, no wonder the lady in Firenze wanted to take us here.”

After lunch in Orbitello we headed south to find a little hillside town mentioned by a tour agent in Firenze that Chuckie discovered on the internet.

Ya know… when ya stumble one of those rare finds, it is even more special. Well Capalbio is just that.

Nestled in the hills just south-east of Orbitello is a little community that is surrounded by a castle wall, a series of winding alleys and apartments that is beyond description. The Pics that will follow don’t even begin to portray the quaint and ancient beauty of this little town/village… whatever.

Up a narrow, winding mountain road, we approached the town through acre after acre of prime vineyards, passing many B&B’s and tavernas along the way, but when we spotted the castle on the hill top, it took all our breaths away.

Parking in front of a little Ristorante [more about this great find later] we climb stone steps onto a walkway that seems to surround the town, that at one time must have been the battlements. The view was incredible, and as we walked along the wall we discovered an entrance into the maze of alley ways that lead from one wonderful discovery to another. Each turn revealed another treasure.

Each doorway and/or stairway was beautifully decorated and noted with the name of the street and house number.

Wandering through this medieval community we marveled that people actually lived here. Unfortunately we didn't find anyone who could tell us about this marvelous little place.

There were several bars, trattroias and an albergo [hotel] , most of which were closed for the season.
And then there are the cats. Obviously very domesticated, they cozy right up to you. There must also be dogs… there were land mines all over the various outside walkways that circle the town/village…whatever.

Coming to what must be the town square we found a lovely Chiesa [church] and a monument to citizens that lost their lives in WW II.

After much KODAK, we caught the sun going down over the coast and mountains of Argentario, it was time to head back. Finding the port after dark could be a bit tricky.

Quite by accident we found ourselves at what appeared to be the back entrance, coming out in front of a little bodega/grocery…whatever… where a group of local men, with hands and gestures flying everywhere, were in a spirited discussion,. Chuckie just had to get a picture with these lively fellows, who promptly indicated that there should be a fee. In his halting Italian, he soon had some agreeing to a picture out of the kindness of their hearts… or maybe just to get rid of him.

It was then that we discovered the incredible Ristorante IL Cantinone, Chuckie stuck his head in for a pic and found 20 year Chef/Owner Enrico Pelorosso just inside with a professional photographer doing a publicity shoot. He posed for Chuckie and took him down to the wine cellar where a whole legs of Parma Prosciutto, salami’s and cheeses were hanging from the ceiling. Pics all around and a promise to mention Enrico and his fine little place. We really wanted to stay for dinner but the girls were nervous about going down the hill in the dark and were anxious to leave.

We had no problem getting back into the port at Civitavecchia and finding the parking lot near the ship… well almost near… they would not let us drop off the ladies dockside and we had to walk about ¼ mile back to the ship. debarkation tomorrow should be interesting with the bags etc.

Next up… Head in the clouds… the Dragon Lady discovers her “little villa in the Tuscan Hills”

Ciao 4 Now
Chuck and the ecstatic with the day trip, Dragon Lady.