Father Achille Costagli (1824-1908), son of Giovanni Costagli and Rosa Turchi, priest of Rivalto, writer, historian and lover of music, is one of the most well-liked personalities by villagers
During his exercise, in addition to the sermons and activities typically related to the parish, Father Achille works to spread the culture and undertakes educational initiatives of interest and appreciation for the community.
The affection and respect of the Rivalto's community are today witnessed by the commemorative plaques on the wall of the parish church in Piazza Beato Giordano.
The affection and respect of the Rivalto's community are today witnessed by the commemorative plaques on the wall of the parish church in Piazza Beato Giordano.
Father Achille lives with great sense of responsibility, humility and participation the priestly service and, as reported in the chronicles of March 17, 1881 of the magazine "The Province of Pisa", even renouncing to his father's legacy in order to pursue a simple and exemplary life "Until March 5, 1881 the priest Achille Costagli from Rivalto said at the Registry of the district court in Lari of renouncing the legacy of his father Giovanni Costagli".
Historian and scholar he has written several historical texts, some monographs focusing on Rivalto, as the "Memorie del Santuario di Poggiopiano dedicato alla Santissima Vergine del Carmine presso il Castello di Rivalto" e "Breve Vita del Beato Giordano" and other stories and historical novels, such as "Aldina di Strido: o gl'Italiani alla prima crociata", "La torre di Rostona o gli ultimi due re Longobardi", "Le due esuli di Montanino, o la battaglia di Lepanto", "Vittimo, ossia la prima cronaca cristiana di Volterra".Just of this last work, a review published in the periodical "La Croce Pisana" of 29 April 1888 in the "Books and Magazines" section, highlights the educational purpose and suggests of reading it.
Present in the various debates on the church discussed at that time, he also participates in the debate on the place of the birth of Beato Giordano by claiming the origins rivaltine, as supported in the text "Breve vita del Beato Giordano".
Founder of The Philharmonic Band of Rivalto in 1848, composer and music teacher, he has accompanied in those years the musical passion of the hamlet.
Father Costagli dies the 1 November 1908 with great regret of his countrymen who lose a spiritual guide and a charismatic rivaltino.The registry of the deceaseds of the parish church reports "assisted by all his people touched because had always recognized in him a good father."
The body will be placed in the Cemetery of Rivalto where it still rests.