Larciano

At the highest point of Larciano stands the fortress with its tower, offering an admirable view. Inside the Castello di Larciano, there is the Archaeological Civic Museum housing artifacts such as ceramics, tombs and everyday objects. On a visit, it is possible to learn more about tastes and lifestyles of the past, thanks to educational sections and reconstructions, such as that of a Roman-era Capuchin tomb.

Among the hamlets of Larciano, we find the small village of Cecina, whose name reveals Etruscan roots. Situated on a high hill, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and even played a significant controlling role in medieval times. Striking is the small Romanesque church dedicated to San Niccolò, in which an important wooden crucifix is preserved. Leaving the church, a unique panorama of the Valdinievole valley opens up.

The village of San Rocco (center) also has an interesting religious building: its neo-Renaissance style church was built on a 17ᵗʰ-century oratory and has some noteworthy frescoes, along with a fine organ. Dating back to the 13ᵗʰ century is Castelmartini, with the Church of San Donnino and Villa Banchieri, a late 19ᵗʰ-century mansion that features a delightful garden, rich in distinctive tree species and a beautiful rose garden, all of which accompany you to the Padule di Fucecchio (Fucecchio Marshes).

Also in Castelmartini, in remembrance of the painful events connected with World War II, there is the monument Lo Stupore by Maestro Gino Terreni, inaugurated by President Ciampi, and the Giardino della Memoria, designed by artist Andrea Dami, in memory of the victims of the August 1944 Padule di Fucecchio massacre. The installation consists of the sculpture Paysage, an artistic landscape composed of 175 plastic iron signs (one for each victim). Also located within the garden is Simone Fagioli’s installation entitled Mio fratello è qui (My Brother is Here).

Those who come to the Valdinievole Valley certainly cannot overlook the Fucecchio Marshes, one of the largest freshwater marshy areas in Italy. This wetland is of great naturalistic interest, home to a broad variety of plants, from the royal fern to the great carex, as well as 200 species of birds, from herons to cranes. Because of this, the Marshes are a particularly good place for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Lamporecchio is just a few miles from Larciano. Villa Rospigliosi, named for the family that has held many estates here since the Middle Ages, is well worth a visit. The building was constructed in the second half of the 17ᵗʰ century to a design attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

San Baronto, rather, is the perfect small town for spending some time in peace and quiet, completely immersed in the tranquility of the woods surrounding the town.

Your itinerary ends with Montecatini Terme, a fine destination for all those seeking rejuvenating vacations, a high quality of hospitality, along with great options for entertainment, sports, shopping and relaxation.

Every year in early September, Larciano hosts the Estrobilia Music Fest, a festival of inspiration, talent and creative genius that gives space to the most varied forms of expression. Alongside artists’ performances, the program is enriched by exhibitions, markets, workshops and activities for children.
The Entico Berlinguer Park in Colonna is the location of numerous events since mid-May such as the Sagra del Bombolone, Festa del Cacciatore, Birrando and Larciano Summer Fest.
In Castel Martini, the Sagra delle Ciliegie (Cherry Festival) is held every spring, while in the fall in Cecina, it is time for the Castagnata, with tastings of Castagne (Chestnuts), Frittelle (like fried donuts but round), Castagnaccio (a typical chestnut flour dessert), Necci (chestnut pancakes) and Vino Novello (a type of vin de primeur).

Fine grapes are grown in Larciano and used to produce Chianti Montalbano DOCG, from a sub-zone of Chianti. In addition to wine, of equal importance is the extra-virgin olive oil production, while the productions of typical Tuscan cold cuts and dairy products also flourish.

Typical recipes from this area include Penne alla Larcianese, a pasta recipe created in 1975 by restaurateur Giorgio Russi to celebrate a local Larcianese soccer playing playing in the finals of the Italian Cup held at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Not to be overlooked are the many dishes of typical Tuscan cuisine.