Marliana

Explore the charming town of Marliana and its ancient rural traditions (it’s worth visiting the Peasant Culture Museum to find out more) along the winding road which ascends from Seravalle Pistoiese, climbing up the woodland slopes. Beyond the medieval village, you can get to the town of Goraiolo which – recently built on the crossroads with the villages of Alto Pesiatino on one side and the Apennine peaks on the other – owes its recent touristic growth to its optimal position.

Music-lovers will be particularly interested in the old organs found in several of the churches in Marliana. The majority were built by the two families of Pistoia Agati and Tronci, known worldwide for the way they produce instruments.

Some other small towns worth exploring in the Pistoia area are Panicagliora and Serra Pistoiese, which can be reached via a road which has views of the castle surrounded by the peaks of the Apennine ridge.

Nearby, following a brief detour, you can visit the ruins of an important medieval settlement, the Parish Church of Furfalo. As it’s not too far, it’s worth visiting the ancient fortified town of Casore del Monte, nestled in a quintessentially Alpine countryside, among meadows and typical mountain vegetation. Descending the valley of Vincio, you will get to Momigno and Montagna.

In the municipality of Marliana, the Cantar Maggio takes place every year, taking in the entire Pistoia mountains. Reliving the peasant traditions of the past, this event involves locals in performing songs and dances with no shortage of moments dedicated to food.

In the hamlet of Momigno, on the other hand, Medioevalia is held in July. The festival of street artists with artisans, acrobats, fire eaters and actors fill the various corners of the village.

One of the greatest treasures of these lands are the products of the forest: chestnuts and mushrooms, which local genius has led to producing refined delicacies which can be tasted in the numerous food festivals and restaurants in the area.