Buggiano

In the municipal area, in addition to the charming medieval village of Villa Bellavista—so called because of the splendid views of Montalbano from its location—a number of churches are also worth a visit, including in particular the Church of San Pietro Apostolo in Borgo a Buggiano, originally an oratory attached to the hospital of the same name that once welcomed pilgrims. The Church, also known as the Sanctuary of the Santissimo Crocifisso, safeguards an ancient miraculous crucifix that in 1399, according to legend, began “dripping with blood,” prompting the warring Guelphs and Ghibellines to lay down their arms and bring peace to the area. In the 1970s, the Santissimo Crocifisso Parish Museum was established, displaying a small collection of sacred art in the Rectory, replete with furnishings and objects of liturgical use (including bronze candlesticks, 16ᵗʰ-century chalices and reliquaries).

Near the Castello di Buggiano is the Church of Madonna della Salute e di San Nicolao, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. The same piazza is overlooked by the Palazzo Pretorio, a building dated back to the first half of the 14ᵗʰ century, but in all likelihood is even older. This Palazzo represents one of the most significant examples of medieval civil architecture in the Valdinievole area. On its recently restored facade you can see the 57 coats of arms of the mayors who ruled the municipality between the 14ᵗʰ and 17ᵗʰ centuries.

Buggiano is the ideal starting point from which to explore the whole Valdinievole, as it is located centrally between the main localities of note.

The thermal springs of Montecatini Terme have been sought out for centuries; today they are surrounded by Liberty architecture. It is also worth stopping at Ponte Buggianese, which, along with the municipalities of Altopascio and Fucecchio, offers an alternative route on the Via Francigena. This path is a photographer’s dream, as well as a boon for environmentalists and hikers. In certain periods of the year, you can do about half of the route on the barges that float along the waterways.

Lovers of greenery and walking would do well to visit the nature reserve of the Padule di Fucecchio. Millennia ago, this marshland was covered in seawater, which reached the foot of Montalbano. The Fucecchio marshland is what remains today of this distant geological epoch.

‘The countryside within the walls’ is a biennial event organized by the Buggiano Castello cultural association and by the Buggiano municipality. The town’s inhabitants open the doors of their houses to the numerous visitors who come to the medieval village to admire the orange groves and secret gardens.

The traditional Fiera in Selva (woodland fair) takes place in spring. One of the oldest festivals in the Valdinievole, this is a chance to see and purchase plants, flowers and fruit trees, many of them particular to this area.

In summer comes the time for Sgranar per Colli, a walk of about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) along the most hidden and evocative paths of the Buggiano area, up to the picturesque location of Villa Bellavista. Along the way, participants have the opportunity to be immersed in local history, admire views and enjoy local products such as wine, oil, jams, honey, cheese and traditional recipes.

The areas restaurants lay on the mainstays of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Antipasti are based around charcuterie and local cheeses; ribollita soup, farinata di cavolo nero and oven-cooked prosciutto all star too.

Tortellona is a dish typical of Buggiano. A long, wavy type of pasta, it is served in a tasty meat sauce which includes liver and chard.