Spring trips around Pistoia and the Pistoia Mountains

Villa La Magia of Quarrata is one of the most prestigious buildings in all of Montalbano: the estate was purchased by Grand Duke Francesco I Medici in 1583, and Bernardo Buontalenti also worked on its renovation.

Declared a UNESCO heritage site since 2013, the villa is surrounded by a museum park that houses contemporary artworks that blend and integrate into the landscape. Spring is the ideal opportunity to discover all the small paths in the park and the small pond surrounded by holm oaks, cypresses and laurels. 

In the heart of the Apennines around Pistoia, the Orsigna valley was chosen as Tiziano Terzani's favorite place. Even today, in fact, you can admire the Tree with eyes, made in his memory and that can be reached by a short walk starting from the locality of Casa Cucciani. The Orsigna Valley is also home to the still active Molino di Giamba and some reconstructions of the activity of coal miners: both of these structures are part of the Itinerary of the daily life of the Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese (Ecomuseum of the Pistoia Mountain).

Macchia Antonini is a protected natural area at 962 meters above sea level, where you can relax on green meadows and stroll among centuries-old turkey oaks, towering beech trees, sycamore maples and fir trees. With its 200 hectares, the area owes its name to the Antonini family, who bought it from Pietro Leopoldo Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Every year since 1827, on the Sunday closest to August 20, the Macchia has hosted one of the oldest festivals in Tuscany. The event attracts many tourists, drawn by performances, period costume parades, food stands and markets. Also nearby are the village of Calamecca and the Spider Park Adventure Park in Marliana.

In the Lima Valley, in the territory of San Marcello Piteglio, the Ponte Sospeso is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Pistoia Mountains, both by those who love to relax and those who want to experience the feeling of being "suspended in the void." At 36 meters high, its 227 meters connect the villages of Mammiano Basso and Popiglio. A short distance away, a tranquil pond is the perfect place for a picnic with family or friends.

Take the opportunity to reach the Ponte di Castruccio (Castruccio Bridge), built by Castruccio Castracani (1281-1328), condottiere and lord of Lucca, over the Lima river, with its characteristic round masonry vault.

On the eastern slope of Montalbano, a visit to Serravalle Pistoiese is a plunge into the past. The ancient medieval stronghold dominates from above the hills between Pistoia and the Valdinievole. Climbing the Torre del Barbarossa (Barbarossa Tower) at sunset is a thrilling experience: from its top you can glimpse the marvelous view that sweeps from Pistoia to Florence and from the Valdinievole to Pisa. Also nearby are the ancient villages of medieval origin of Vinacciano and Castellina.