Rosignano Marittimo, Italy

Rosignano is a coastal centre of tourism with a population of thirty thousand can be found amongst the remains of a prehistoric pine forest in the unique region of Tuscany in the province of Livorno. Although it lies on the coast, thanks to its mountainous terrain it lies high above the Tyrhen Sea, and so on a clear day you can see as far as the Tuscan archipelago and the northern tip of Corsica. The medieval origin of Rosignano is evident from the overall character of the town with its towers, houses on fortified ramparts and the castle which belonged to the Bishop of Pisa. You can even find relics here from the times of the Etruscans and Romans. The name Rosignano can be interpreted in two ways. On the one hand there is a certain connection with the names of ancient Etruscan and Roman families but it may also be derived from the abundance of local blossoming wild roses which can also be found in the town’s coat of arms.

The northern part of Rosignano belongs to the coastal centre of Castiglioncello with its typical Tuscany coastline with steep cliffs. South of Castiglioncello where the terrain starts to flatten out you can find an industrial zone with a factory famous for producing Solvay soda ash. A twin town agreement was signed with the town in July 1965 making Rosignano Marittimo one of our oldest friends.

Areas of Cooperation:

• music, dance and tourist groups exchanges
• youth summer camps
• yearly attendance of the Pardubice Wine Half Marathon