Loop of Remembrance in the Fucecchio Marsh

The Padule di Fucecchio (Fucecchio Marsh) is the largest inland marsh area in Italy: 1,800 hectares between the provinces of Pistoia and Florence, populated by numerous species of birds and other animals linked to wetland environments.

The itinerary combines an interest in nature with the remembrance of recent history. So as not to forget the events of the Nazi massacre in Fucecchio, which took place between August 23 and 24 1944, the loop leads to the tabernacles and monuments dedicated to the victims of this tragic event.  

The departure point is close to the Dogana del Capannone - near the tabernacle dedicated to Pellegrino and Rocco Cardelli. 
Moving through the itinerary with an eye on the territory, during the bike tour you can see how man has shaped and modified the very structure of the marsh over the centuries: the Medici and Lorena families were responsible for the management and reclamation of numerous areas in Tuscany, leaving constructions that are still used today, like several canals, the port system and the Medici bridge in Cappiano. 

Continuing on, we reach the monument dedicated to the Padule martyrs, created by sculptor Gino Terreni. At the Center for Research, Documentation and Promotion of the Padule di Fucecchio, you can visit the permanent exhibition of preparatory works for the monument, donated to the Municipality of Larciano.

After a final detour to visit other commemorative sites, we return to the point of departure.