Aerial view of Peccioli
Panoramic view of Peccioli
Drone view of Peccioli from above

PECCIOLI

The heart
of Tuscany



Peccioli, a historic Tuscan gem: where nature blends with art and architecture
to create an unforgettable experience.

Map of Peccioli

Discovering the Tuscan Village

Peccioli is a captivating Tuscan town that sits majestically on top of a hill, preserving its authentic medieval atmosphere. However, what truly sets it apart is the presence of extremely modern architectural installations that astonishingly blend with the ancient beauty of the place.

This fusion of eras and styles creates a unique and enchanting ambiance. Amidst this landscape, the bell tower soars like a pencil pointing towards the sky, adding a distinctive touch to the cityscape. Its presence harmonizes perfectly with the atmosphere of Peccioli, striking a perfect balance between tradition and contemporaneity.

Panorama with elevator in Peccioli Chiassi di Luce in Peccioli Panoramic view of Peccioli2

The Enigma of Peccioli: Stories & Theories About Its Name

Image of the name Peccioli
Old postcard of Peccioli

The origin of the name 'Peccioli' is the subject of various theories, but none are confirmed with certainty. According to Dante Olivieri's 'Dizionario etimologico italiano' (Italian Etymological Dictionary), the name may derive from the word 'pece,' which was a substance used by shoemakers. However, it is not clear whether this pitch was actually produced in the town.

Another theory, proposed by N. Toscanelli in his study of toponymy, suggests that 'Peccioli' could be connected to the typical structure of Tuscan place names, which often feature the ending '-oli' or '-ole' with the accent on the penultimate syllable. This type of structure is often associated with place names designated as 'Monte' (mountain).

There are also popular versions that suggest Peccioli might have derived from earlier names like 'Monfalcone' or 'Montefalcone,' but none of these versions are confirmed by historical documents.

Mario Bartoli, in his 'Quattro chiacchiere sulla storia di Peccioli' (Four Conversations on the History of Peccioli), proposes a personal theory suggesting that the name 'Peccioli' could be linked to the time when free men owned small pieces of land on the slope of the Era hill, called 'Pèzzoli or Pezòli.' These names could have evolved from 'Pèzioli' to 'Peccioli' over time.

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Journey into the Past: The History of Peccioli

Ancient History

The historical roots of Peccioli date back to the Neolithic period, and it later witnessed Etruscan settlements starting from the first millennium BC.
The Arno River marked a boundary between the Ligurians and the Etruscans. Peccioli was part of the Etruscan territory of Volterra, and in the 3rd century BC, it became part of Roman rule.

Museum site of Ortaglia
Museum site of Ortaglia2
Museum site of Ortaglia3

The archaeological findings at the Ortaglia site bear witness to Peccioli's ancient connection with Volterra: a sanctuary and a mysterious well reveal details about the religious and cultural life of the Etruscan-Roman period.

While only a few traces of Roman buildings have survived, a Roman inscription was discovered on the hill of Peccioli. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, the area experienced migrations and conflicts among different populations that, over the centuries, shaped its history.

Medieval History

The Medieval Castle of Peccioli had a complex history: mentioned as early as the 11th century, it was the subject of disputes among various powers due to its strategic location in the region. La Castellaccia in the past In 1115, the lords from Catagnano sold the castle to the Bishop of Volterra.
In the 13th century, Peccioli became embroiled in the struggle between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines.
In 1282, the Guelphs expelled the Ghibellines from Peccioli, but the political situation remained unstable for a long time.
In 1322, the Pisans restored the castle's walls.
In 1362, the Florentines attempted to take control of Peccioli Castle and succeeded in conquering it after a siege.

Two years later, the castle returned under the control of the Peccioli Municipality. However, with the conquest of the city by the Florentines, Peccioli came under the political and territorial influence of Florence in 1406.

During the 15th century, Peccioli was repeatedly plundered by adversaries of the Medici family.
In 1430, the town rebelled against the Florentine Republic, surrendering to the Duke Visconti of Milan and allowing his troops inside the walls. Shortly after, it returned under Medici control.
Under Lorenzo the Magnificent, Peccioli experienced an administrative reorganization and was placed in charge of various communities.

Modern History

In 1529, Peccioli once again rebelled, aligning itself with Charles V during the siege of Florence.
In the 17th century, under Medici rule, Peccioli enjoyed a period of political stability that lasted until the arrival of the Dukes of Lorraine. At that time, efforts to reclaim and improve the territory began.

In 1776, the podestà of Peccioli was abolished, and a new community was created, encompassing various towns. During the French occupation (1808-1814), local institutions were replaced by new "mairies" under the Department of the Mediterranean. A peace tribunal was established in Peccioli.

After the fall of the French government in 1814, the justice of the peace and the "mairies" were abolished.
Civil jurisdiction was managed by a podestà, while criminal jurisdiction came under the control of the vicariate of Lari.
In 1816, the positions of Gonfaloniere and Priors with a general council were reestablished.
Peccioli then encompassed various territories, including Casaglia, Cedderi, Fabbrica, Ghizzano, Libbiano, and Montecchio, and was part of the Pisa Chamber and the surrounding area of Pontedera. Old map of Peccioli

Recent History

In 1844, under the reign of Leopoldo II, Peccioli became the seat of a chancellery, with jurisdiction extended to Lajatico and Terricciola.

Image of the administrative elections in 1910
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In 1860, with the plebiscite for annexation to the Kingdom of Sardinia, there were changes in the organization of public administration.
In 1863, Peccioli was part of the district of Lari.



Since the unification of Italy, Peccioli has become a municipality that also includes Fabbrica, Ghizzano, Legoli, Montecchio, Montelopio, Libbiano, and Cedri.

With the advent of fascism, municipal councils were abolished, and in 1927, Podestàs were reintroduced.

During World War II, the town suffered significant damage until July 14, 1944, when American troops entered Peccioli via Carraia and liberated it.

Image of the Liberation of Peccioli during the Second World War
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Image of the Liberation of Peccioli during the Second World War2
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Curiosities

Life on Serre

Information from the book 'The Future from a Long Past' - Rustic Funds, a Great Common Asset - Belvedere SPA and Peccioliper Foundation

The history of the Serre is linked to the Peccioli Farm, which experienced significant development from the 15th century onwards thanks to investments from noble Florentine families.

A document from 1547 lists the farm as the property of the de' Medici family and assigns to the estates the names that are still in use today.

The Serre remained the property of the Grand Duke of Tuscany until 1775 when they were sold to the wealthy Berte family, merchants from Livorno.

Rustic greenhouse backgrounds

In 1899, the Berte family merged with the Dufour family, and subsequently, Filippo Dufour, without heirs, sold the property to the Rustic Funds Society of the Gaslini Family.
The latter, in 1949, transferred the estate to the Gaslini Foundation. In more recent times, in 2004, the part of the Greenhouses located in Peccioli was acquired by the Municipality of Peccioli and Belvedere Spa.

The origins

The term "serre" likely derives from the word "serra," which in medieval times meant "saw" and was used to describe a wooded ridge with a profile resembling a saw. In the Peccioli farm, life followed a sharecropping pattern, with estates identified by the surnames of the families living there. The estate had a school, a church, and a kiln in the "Bosco del Lissi" (Lissi Woods).

In 1560, Alamanno di Iacopo Salviati owned the property and used a kiln in Peccioli two or three times a year.
Over the centuries, there are no other mentions of kilns, suggesting that the one in the Carpignano estate, recorded in the Leopoldino land registry, may have been built later
In 1560, there was also a rented mill located near the d'Era River at Ripa Bianca, complete with a house, dovecote, and garden.



Drops of everyday life

In the estate of Peccioli, the main crops included grapes, olives, wheat, barley, oats, sugar beets, and tobacco, with the custom of placing medallions depicting the Madonna and child to protect the harvest.

The livestock included cattle, cows, pigs, goats (for milk), rabbits, chickens, and hens, while sheep were only raised by the shepherd of Colombaino, and the farmers would purchase cheese once a year. The greenhouses were also frequented places for hunting hares, pheasants, and partridges, and after the 1980s, deer and wild boars returned to populate the area.

On the Gaslini estate, there was also the breeding of silkworms, managed by the della Guardia family until the Cambioni family moved to the region. The renowned playwright Goldoni also noted the silkworm breeding in Peccioli in the 18th century.

The farmers would start working at 5 in the morning and take a break for a hearty breakfast around 7:30-8:00, which included bread, ham, sausage or soppressata, and wine for the adults, while the children drank goat's milk and ate toasted bread. After tending to the animals and the manure in the stable, they headed to the fields. The older children would watch over the animals, while the younger ones were placed under the trees as the women also worked in the fields. The housewife stayed at home to prepare food and keep it clean.
Lunch consisted of bean soup or 'pulenda' and was eaten at noon in the home or brought to the fields by the women. Dinner was simply cabbage soup. Sundays were a special day with boiled meat, mashed potatoes, and, if possible, rabbit. The main desserts were 'corollo' and 'cantuccini,' often baked together with bread.

Photograph of women during the grape harvest

In the greenhouses, life followed a rhythm marked by events such as grape harvesting, pig slaughter, wine pressing, wheat threshing, and grain threshing. During the grape harvest, women from Peccioli and farmers would pick table grapes, which were then packed into crates for sale in Italy and abroad.



The wine pressing was a moment of communal gathering where farmers came together to share and enjoy wine.
The threshing of wheat allowed for collaboration among farmers from different farms, and when 100 sacks of wheat were collected, the siren would sound.

he Madonna of the Serre: a day of celebration

Madonna delle Serre: a festive day

The Festival on the greenhouses still takes place today on the first Sunday of May, with a second date on August 5th in honor of the Madonna of the Snow.
The Church of the Greenhouses houses a canvas dating back to the 16th-17th century depicting the Madonna with the child and various saints, with the coats of arms of the Alameni family and symbols of the Order of Saint Stephen.
The painting was housed in the Museum of Palazzo Pretorio from 2005 to 2011, but it is now back in the Church of the Greenhouses, surrounded by a blue curtain. After 1775, the Berte family from Livorno restored the farm and the church, which served as a private chapel.

In 1947, the Chapel of the Oratory of the Greenhouses was once again restored, and the Madonna of the Snow was brought to the village in a festive procession with floral decorations and music. The procession concluded with a speech by the parish priest and blessings.

Current photograph of the church of the Serre Current photograph of the church of the Serre2 Current photograph of the church of the Serre3

Decline of the rural world and "a new life in the Serre"

After World War II, many people found employment in the Piaggio automotive industry and local furniture factories. In the 1940s and 1950s, labor initiatives were organized to improve living and working conditions in the Greenhouses, with demands for electrification of rural areas and agrarian reforms.
However, in the 1960s, the crops suffered damage from frost and floods.
Meanwhile, the residential center of the Greenhouses grew rapidly, causing an environmental imbalance with the abandonment of the countryside. These changes were influenced by the economic boom and migration towards industrial opportunities, leading to the decline of the rural world in the post-war period.

In 2004, the municipalities of Belvedere and Peccioli acquired the estate previously owned by the Gaslini Foundation of Genoa with the aim of revitalizing the region, preserving its history, and improving the environment.

In 2006, the 'Agripeccioli farm' project (later transformed into 'Peccioli Wellness') was initiated, aiming to restore the farmhouses in the Greenhouses to create a high-quality residence. Subsequently, a broader project emerged, involving collaboration with a company authorized to gather investments from savers and manage them through investment funds, further contributing to the development of the area.

Downloadable map of the Serre area Downloadable map of the Serre area2
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The Territory yesterday...

In 1839, as documented by Emanuele Repetti in his Dictionary, the territory of Peccioli was traversed by two significant rivers: the Arno and the Era, and it was connected by various roads linking it to other localities.
The area featured tuff formations, agricultural fields, vineyards, olive groves, and oak forests. Numerous noble villas of local or distinguished Pisan families were present in the community.

In Peccioli, there was medical assistance provided by two doctors and a surgeon. There were also two school teachers, one of whom lived in Legoli. The community held a weekly market on Tuesdays, known for local food products. Additionally, the annual fair that took place on the first Tuesday of October was significant.


The borders

The community of Peccioli covered an area of 25,811 agricultural squares, with a population of 4,973 inhabitants in 1833.

Peccioli bordered six different communities:

  • 1. Western border with Lajatico and Terricciola through the Era River


  • 2. The southwestern border of Peccioli is with the community of Capannoli, following the course of the Era River and crossing the Roglio.


  • 3. Southeast border with Montaione


  • 4. Southern border with Volterra through the Roglio dell'Isola.


  • 5. Bound to the northwest by Lajatico

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Borgo Pecciolese yesterday
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Peccioli yesterday Peccioli yesterday2 Peccioli yesterday3
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.. & Today

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Currently, the territory of Peccioli covers an area of approximately 92.63 square kilometers and is characterized by typical Tuscan countryside landscapes, including olive groves, vineyards, and vast grassy hills.
The average elevation is 144 meters above sea level, with a population of approximately 4,989 residents and a density of about 54 inhabitants per square kilometer (data from the 1991 census).
Peccioli borders the municipalities of Terricciola, Lajatico, Volterra, Capannoli, and Palaia. Currently, the town has a strong tourist vocation and has been recognized by the Italian Touring Club with the 'Bandiera Arancione' (Orange Flag) for its preservation of the landscape, hospitality, and promotion of cultural heritage.

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Pecciolese territory today Pecciolese territory today2 Pecciolese territory today3
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Map of Peccioli

Downloadable map of Peccioli Downloadable map of Peccioli2
Attractions
Church of Madonna del Carmine

Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine

Pieve di San Verano3

Pieve di San Verano

Palazzo Pretorio3

Palazzo Pretorio

La Castellaccia3

La Castellaccia

Multipurpose Center

Centro Polivalente

Caffè Haus

Caffè Haus

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Contemporary Art
Art map of Peccioli Art map of Peccioli2

MACCA – Un Museo a Cielo Aperto

Immagine Macca
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The MACCA, known as the Open-Air Contemporary Art Museum, is a place that coordinates and showcases various contemporary art pieces scattered throughout the territory of Peccioli and its hamlets.
This museum houses an extensive collection of modern artworks, approximately 70 in total, the result of three decades of collaboration with artists who were invited to create artistic projects in harmony with the environment of Peccioli.
Among the first artists to contribute to the artistic project in the territory of Peccioli, you can find names such as Vittorio Corsini, Hidetoshi Nagasawa, Alicja Kwade, David Tremlett, and also Patrick Tuttofuoco.

Photograph Endless Sunset

Endless Sunset

Photograph Chiassi di Luce

Chiassi di Luce

Photograph of Palazzo senza Tempo

Palazzo senza Tempo

Photograph Lo Sguardo di Peccioli

Lo Sguardo di Peccioli

Photograph Photo Souvenir

Photo Souvenir

ENDLESS SUNSET

The artwork "Endless Sunset" by Patrick Tuttofuoco, created in 2020 for the village, employs the circular form to represent the concept of cyclicity, symbolizing a sequence that repeats itself through time and space, connecting the past, present, and future.
This extraordinary artwork was created to transform the footbridge that connects the historic center of Peccioli to the newer part of the village.
The simple circular shape gains complexity when it becomes three-dimensional and is enriched by a gradual change of colors, evoking the forty-five minutes of a sunset.
This moment is prolonged in time and stretches towards an infinite future, giving life to an artwork that seems to have no end, hence the name "Endless."

Photograph architecture of the opera Endless Sunset Photograph architecture of the opera Endless Sunset2 Photograph architecture of the opera Endless Sunset3

CHIASSI DI LUCE

Some artists have used luminous threads to connect the narrow alleys of the town, known as "chiassi.
This initiative has not only highlighted the architecture but also the artworks present in the territory. The most well-known example is the illuminated alleyway called "Sacra Conversazione" featuring "La Madonna col bambino e Santi" by Neri di Bicci, created in 1463.
These installations were created to arouse people's curiosity and emphasize the value and rich artistic and cultural heritage of the place.

Photograph of bright Chiassi in Peccioli Photograph of bright Chiassi in Peccioli2 Photograph of bright Chiassi in Peccioli3 Photograph of bright Chiassi in Peccioli4 Photograph of bright Chiassi in Peccioli5 Photograph of bright Chiassi in Peccioli6

PALAZZO SENZA TEMPO

"Dai su fammi un sorriso"

The Palazzo di Via Carraia has a fascinating history dating back to the 15th century. Originally, the building was owned by Piero Salviati, a member of the renowned Salviati family from Florence, famous for their involvement in the silk and wool trade and related to Cosimo I de' Medici. Upon Piero's death, the palace was gifted to the Almeni family of Perugia, likely as a token of gratitude from Cosimo I de' Medici for their loyalty. Sforza Almeni, a member of this family, received the estate and all the surrounding lands in 1565.

The last heirs of the Almeni family were Isabella Nerli and Eleonora Bonaccorsi, who donated the property to Pietro Leopoldo, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in exchange for an annual stipend. In 1775, His Royal Highness decided to transfer the property to the wealthy merchant Giovan Filippo Berte of Livorno, who immediately expressed his intention to expand his holdings in the Peccioli territory. After a marriage, the Berte family became known as Dufour Berte.

In 1919, the palace and the estate were sold to the company "Fondi Rustici di Roma," which later became part of the assets of the Gerolamo Gaslini Foundation. In 2004, a portion of the estate was purchased by the Municipality of Peccioli, which in 2019 initiated a significant restoration and improvement project.

Currently, the Palazzo di Via Carraia serves as a venue for a wide range of exhibitions, both temporary and permanent, an archive, and a cafeteria for visitors. One of its highlights is the spectacular panoramic terrace that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

Photograph of Palazzo senza Tempo and terrace in Peccioli Photograph of Palazzo senza Tempo and terrace in Peccioli2 Photograph of Palazzo senza Tempo and terrace in Peccioli3

LO SGAURDO DI PECCIOLI

In the heart of Peccioli, an extraordinary work of art by Vittorio Corsini, "Lo sguardo di Peccioli" from 2017, displays a wall dotted with photographs of eyes.

QThese eyes, with various colors and expressions, gaze upon the open horizon in front of them, symbolizing the growth and evolution of the Peccioli community.
In this artwork, the eyes are a reflection of the collective soul, a testament to Peccioli's ability to embrace the new without forgetting its roots.

An installation that celebrates the beauty of human diversity and the strength of the community.

Photograph of the opera glances in Peccioli Photograph of the opera glances in Peccioli2 Photograph of the opera glances in Peccioli3

PHOTO SOUVENIR

Daniel Buren created an artwork in Peccioli in collaboration with Mario Cucinella. It is a large wall with vibrant colors, featuring diamonds and diagonal stripes that create a dynamic effect.

This wall, located in a key position in the historic center of Peccioli, captures the attention of passersby. Buren's artwork transforms painting into an autonomous reality, and his innovative work seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment, contributing to the transformation of the landscape itself.

Photograph Photo Souvenir Photograph Photo Souvenir2 Photograph Photo Souvenir3
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Festivals'
25 April

SAN VERANO

Celebrations: San Verano

The figure of San Verano holds particular significance in the local religious tradition and for the community of Peccioli. San Verano was a Christian bishop and martyr who lived in the ancient Roman city of Volterra, not far from Peccioli, during the period of the Roman Empire.

It is believed that he was martyred around the 3rd century AD due to his Christian faith. His life and sacrifice have become objects of religious veneration.

In Peccioli, the feast of San Verano is solemnly celebrated every year on April 25th. This day is dedicated to honoring the patron saint of the town, and the celebrations may include processions, special masses, and other religious and cultural activities.

May

FESTA SULLE SERRE

Celebrations: party on the Serre

The "Festa sulle Serre" in Peccioli is an event deeply rooted in the local folklore, bringing together the young, families with children, and the elderly for a traditional countryside gathering. The focal point of the celebration is the Church of Madonna delle Serre, a symbol for the community. The festivities kick off on Saturday evening with a picturesque torchlight procession organized by the Parish of San Verano, winding through the town's streets to pay tribute to the Madonna with candles and prayers.

On Sunday, after the Holy Masses, there is a typically Tuscan lunch organized by the Corale Valdera for all the participants.
In the afternoon, children can have fun with the workshop "A Rock for a Smile" and engaging games. Adults can relax with a nature trail in the "Bosco di Ortaglia," a path included among those offered by the Municipality of Peccioli. Explanatory panels provide information about the flora and fauna, as well as traces of local animals. The trail extends for over 4 km through the forest and connects to existing paths.

July

FESTIVAL DELLE 11 LUNE

Celebrations: 11 moons

The 11Lune Festival is an annual cultural and artistic event. It is a multidisciplinary festival that encompasses various cultural fields, including music, theater, literature, visual art, and more.
The name "11Lune" refers to the eleven moons of the year, symbolizing the continuity of seasons and cultural events throughout the year.

This festival attracts nationally and internationally renowned artists and performances, offering the audience a variety of high-quality cultural experiences. Events can include concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, readings by famous authors, dance performances, and much more. The 11Lune Festival is an opportunity for the local community and visitors to immerse themselves in culture and art in a captivating and picturesque setting such as Peccioli.

September

COPPA SABATINI

Celebrations: Coppa Sabatini

The Coppa Sabatini is a professional cycling competition that is part of the international calendar of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and is classified as a category 1.1 race. This means it attracts a high-level field of participants, including professional riders from WorldTour teams.

The Coppa Sabatini is named after Giuseppe Sabatini, a successful Italian cyclist in the 1950s and 1960s. The race is traditionally held in the month of October and is one of the most prestigious cycling competitions in Italy. The race route varies from year to year but often takes riders through the hills and picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, offering challenging terrain for both cyclists and spectators.

The Coppa Sabatini has a long history in the world of professional cycling and has seen the participation of some of the biggest names in international cycling. It is a highly anticipated event both by the riders and cycling fans and contributes to promoting the passion for this sport in Italy.

October

SAN COLOMBANO

Celebrations: San Colombano

Around 600 AD, Saint Columban, an Irish saint, is said to have gifted the residents of Peccioli with the first grapevine, from which the Colombana grape variety supposedly originated. This grapevine has been carefully cultivated in the hills of Peccioli ever since.

The Colombana grape is a table grape variety with round, sweet-tasting berries and an intense fruity aroma. It is hand-harvested in September and stored until the beginning of winter. Tradition holds that eating it on the first day of the year brings good luck.Colombana grapes were also believed to have healing properties, attracting many people from all over Tuscany for a "treatment" in Peccioli in the early 1900s.

In the past, the production of Colombana grapes reached its peak but declined with the introduction of other table grape varieties. Today, local companies are rediscovering Colombana grapes, using them in winemaking and to produce sweet wines, Vin Santo, and grappa.

Dicembre

FESTIVAL DELLE 11 LUNE
- INVERNALE

Celebrations: 11 moons in winter

The 11Lune Festival is an annual cultural and artistic event. It is a multidisciplinary festival that encompasses various cultural fields, including music, theater, literature, visual art, and more.
The name "11Lune" refers to the eleven moons of the year, symbolizing the continuity of seasons and cultural events throughout the year.

This festival attracts nationally and internationally renowned artists and performances, offering the audience a variety of high-quality cultural experiences. Events can include concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, readings by famous authors, dance performances, and much more. The 11Lune Festival is an opportunity for the local community and visitors to immerse themselves in culture and art in a captivating and picturesque setting such as Peccioli.

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Local Products

Oil

Oil: product from Peccioli

The cellars of producers, restaurants, and local shops offer the opportunity to purchase wine and extra virgin olive oil, often organizing tastings. Regarding olive oil, the main varieties used in production are Leccino, Moraiolo, Frantoio, and Pendolino.

Wine

Wine: product from Peccioli

On the hills of the region, various grape varieties are cultivated, including Merlot, Cabernet, Sangiovese, Alicante, Viognier, and Procanico, allowing for the production of a variety of red, white, and rosé wines. These wines represent the excellence of Tuscany in the wine industry and are known worldwide thanks to the DOC and IGT designations..

Bastoncelli

Bastoncelli: product from Peccioli

"Bastoncelli," a variation of wafers, are made from a dough of flour, eggs, sugar, and anise seeds, with a characteristic wavy shape. Typically prepared at home during the holidays, they can also be purchased in some local bars and shops.

Corollo

Corollo: product from Peccioli

A typical Peccioli dessert similar to a bundt cake, made using flour, butter, sugar, eggs, anise liqueur, milk, lemon zest, and baking powder.

Grapes

Grapes: product from Peccioli

"Colombana grapes" are a type of table grape with a high sugar content that makes them suitable for preservation until winter. Legend has it that this grapevine was introduced to Peccioli in the 17th century by the disciples of Saint Columban, an Irish saint, who found a local community with a strong sense of generosity and faith. Today, some local companies cultivate Colombana grapes and also use them in winemaking, thus contributing to the promotion of local products.

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Nature Trails
Downloadable map of naturalistic paths Downloadable map of naturalistic paths2

1.

Anello Peccioli-Montecchio

This short trail offers a comprehensive overview of the Peccioli territory. It starts from the picturesque Fonte Mazzola and leads through a steep descent to the Serre area, once dotted with traditional sharecropping farms.
After crossing the Racosa stream, the trail ascends towards Montecchio, a strategic fortress that served as a defense for the municipality.
The final stretch of the trail is an ascent that will lead to Peccioli, where you can take a break among the alleyways and admire contemporary art installations.

Naturalistic path: peccioli-montecchio Naturalistic path: peccioli-montecchio2
Starting Point: Peccioli
Lenght: 11 km
Difficulty: Medium/easy
Route Interest: Naturalistic
Recommended Period: Year-round

2.

Serre & Bosco di Ortaglia

The naturalistic trail crosses the forest surrounding the Ortaglia estate, part of the Farm, and provides evidence of a long and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, with ancient Etruscan settlements, such as the Ortaglia tomb.
Today, this forest is the habitat for numerous species of wildlife. Roe deer and wild boars are often spotted even during the day, along with small animals like foxes and martens, which come out at night to hunt. The forest is also home to squirrels, hedgehogs, badgers, and hedgehogs, and the tracks of hares are easily traceable.
During the trail, specific signage displays animal footprints to help recognize them on the ground. This short but fascinating stretch of path connects two trails and offers panoramic views from the Serre hill, crossing a countryside free of buildings at the foot of the wooded hill of Pratello-Libbiano, inhabited by roe deer.

 Naturalistic path: the serre1  Naturalistic path: the serre2
Naturalistic path: Serre & Bosco di Ortaglia Naturalistic path: Serre & Bosco di Ortaglia2 Naturalistic path: Serre & Bosco di Ortaglia3
Starting Point: La Buca
Lenght: 5.6 Km
Difficulty: Medium/easy
Route Interest: Naturalistic
Recommended Period: Year-round (challenging in the rainy season)

3.

Costellazione

The landscape of the Constellation Ring offers a picturesque view, with sandy soils and clay hills that create captivating reliefs and undulating formations. This area is characterized by ridges where charming villages are located, and slopes primarily cultivated with vineyards and olive trees. Numerous farms in the region invite you to savor local products.
Ancient archaeological excavations testify to the historical roots of this vibrant area, while contemporary artworks scattered throughout the small villages turn it into a captivating open-air museum. Furthermore, the waste disposal and treatment facility play an important role not only in the environmental context but also as a venue for various activities and events. In short, the Constellation Ring combines history, culture, art, and sustainability in a unique setting.

Naturalistic path: Constellazione Naturalistic path: Constellazione2
Starting Point: Peccioli
Lenght: 53 km
Difficulty: Hard
Route Interest: Naturalistic
Recommended Period: Year-round

4.

Anello Ghizzano-Cedri

The route begins at the foot of the small village of Ghizzano, in front of the Church of the S.S. Annunziata, which houses wooden sculptures from the 15th century created by Nino Pisano, along with the contemporary artwork 'Ospiti' by Fortuyn/O´Brien positioned on either side of the church's portal.
Crossing the picturesque center of Ghizzano, we head east into the surrounding countryside, reaching the borders of the municipality and the province in a wild and extraordinarily beautiful, virtually unspoiled natural environment.
After a few kilometers, we re-enter the town of Cedri, where the picturesque Villa Alessandria stands out. We follow a paved road that gently winds along the slopes, then return to Ghizzano. Midway through the route, you have the option to choose a shorter variant if desired.

Naturalistic path: Anello Ghizzano-Cedri Naturalistic path: Anello Ghizzano-Cedri2
Starting Point: Ghizzano
Lenght: 15.3 km or 14 km if the "C.Colombaio" variant is taken
Difficulty: Medium/easy
Route Interest: Historical and Scenic
Recommended Period: Year-round