Buti

The town of the Palio at the foot of the Pisan Mountains

Probably dating to Roman times, the town of Buti is located on the eastern slopes of Monte Pisano and along the Rio Magno riverbank, an area immersed in the peaceful air of pine and chestnut forests. Its territory comprises the inhabited centers of Buti, La Croce and Cascine, which are connected by a provincial road flanking the river.

Buti’s particular geographic location has notably influenced its development. In olden times, the town’s principal activities were olive oil production, chestnut harvesting and woodworking. In the 19th century these activities were joined by the production of handcrafted baskets, cages and corbels, while in the 20th century the town witnessed the development of the furniture industry.

What to see in Buti

Besides the famous Medici Villa situated in the heart of Buti, the town surprises its visitors with other fascinating features, such as the Castel Tonini (overlooking the town), the Romanesque Church of San Francesco and the Church dell’Ascensione, also known as Santa Maria delle Nevi. This last treasure can be reached from Buti by following the “via dei Molini,” a road leading to Monte Serra that was once dotted with watermills.

Don’t miss the small Francesco di Bartolo Theater (named after the first commentator of Dante’s Divine Comedy), a structure dating to 1842 built according to the architectural standards of early 19th-century academic theaters.

Buti is a stimulating tourist destination. The town’s rich forests also offer visitors a chance to explore nature immersed in spectacular woods (either on foot or by bike). At the foot of the Monte Pisano you’ll find a protected area created to shelter the particular Pinus laricio biotype, which is among the tallest and most majestic wild pine tree species.

Nearby

Traveling through the villages and landscapes of the Terre di Pisa, you will also find San Giuliano Terme, a place dedicated to well-being that hosts the Terme di San Giuliano, known by the name of the Bagni di Pisa spa.

It's said that these thermal springs were built by the Romans: Pliny the Elder refers to the aquae pisanae and tells us that already in those times, its therapeutic virtues were utilized.

A few kilometers away, you arrive in the territory of Vecchiano, which includes a significant portion of the Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Park, the mouth of the Serchio river, and the Bufalina beach.

Your trip could end in Calci, where you can visit the well-known Certosa, a monumental complex in Baroque style that also includes the Museum of Natural History and the Territory, of the University of Pisa.

It's said that these thermal springs were built by the Romans: Pliny the Elder refers to the aquae pisanae and tells us that already in those times, its therapeutic virtues were utilized.

Events

Buti’s town life is animated by a number of noteworthy traditional events. Among these don’t miss the age-old Palio di Sant’Antonio, one of Tuscany’s oldest palios that takes place in January.

In addition, the village is characterized by an noted theatrical season at the Francesco di Bartolo Theater, that has an unusual horseshoe shape.

Typical dishes and products

These old manufacturing activities continue today in the Strada dell'Olio dei Monti Pisani project: an ideal itinerary that unites the places where Tuscan IGP extra virgin olive oil is formed.

On the occasion of the Palio di Buti in January, local restaurants serve trippa alla butese in the piazza, even in the morning, using a recipe that differs from the traditional ones because it involves the addition of minced meat. It's a delicacy!