Larciano

Larciano a village with a historic medieval atmosphere
The village of Larciano is in a strategic position, 160 metres above sea level and dominates the Valdinievole from the hillside. Precisely for this reason in the past it was contested many times by the Tuscan peoples, becoming the main centre of the entire surrounding area.

It was purchased by the Municipality of Pistoia in 1225 and was immediately fortified with walls and defensive structures. In 1302, the Florentines and the Lucchese made an alliance to conquer Larciano, but the village remained in their power for only a short time; in fact, a few years later, in 1310, Pistoia reconquered it. Passing to the Medici family, it finally became an independent town in 1897.
Larciano has remained intact over time and even today, walking through its streets, you can see the walls and the remains of the history that has marked this small village.

What to see in Larciano
The access to the village is characterised by three walled gates: Porta Meridionale, Porta San Marco and Porta Bagno. Porta Meridionale is the most recent of the three access points to the village, while Porta San Marco and Porta Bagno seem to date back to between the 10th and 13th centuries.

Among the most important religious buildings to see is the Church of San Rocco, located in the hamlet of the same name, which is of more recent construction than the history of the village. The style differs from the rest of the town being a neo-Renaissance church, in fact it was built in the 19th century. Inside, attention is immediately drawn to an ancient organ in the choir loft and the numerous works of art by Gino Terreni on the walls of the building.

Not to be missed in the hamlet of Castelmartini is the Garden of Remembrance, which commemorates the massacre carried out on 23 August 1944 by the Nazi-Fascists, in which 175 people lost their lives. In fact, during the war many people tried to take refuge in the town of Larciano to escape the tyranny of the Nazis who, however, decided to kill all those who lived in the area, thus exterminating entire families.

Larciano Castle
Once through the entrance gates of the village, inside the walls, at the highest point of the town, you reach the castle, one of the most fascinating medieval defensive structures in the entire Valdinievole and one of the most famous. In addition to being used for military purposes to defend the town from invading attacks, the castle was also inhabited by the podestà.

The tower was the reference point for the ancient inhabitants of Larciano to defend themselves from enemy invasions, since they had a complete view of the entire surrounding plain, which included Florence, Prato and Pistoia. Even today, when you reach the tower, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire surrounding area. Inside the castle you can also visit the Civic and Archaeological Museum to immerse yourself even further into the past of the village by admiring all the everyday objects and historical finds.

A visit to the village of Cecina
If you're in Larciano, you can't miss a visit to nearby Cecina, a small village of Etruscan origin surrounded by walls and with two gates. Cecina's history is very similar to that of Larciano since it too is located on a hill and was therefore considered a strategic point in medieval times. Strolling through the town you can see how Cecina is a place that takes you back to another dimension in time thanks to its narrow streets and the presence of the Church of San Nicola, of Romanesque origin.

What to do in Larciano
If you come to Larciano you certainly can't miss a nature trail in the Padule di Fucecchio, the largest inland marshland in Italy. The park is home to numerous species of plants and birds that can be seen along the paths along the route. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, not recommended in summer due to the high temperatures.
In the municipal area it is also possible to participate in culinary festivals at different times of the year: at the end of May there is the Bombolone Festival, in summer the Cherry Festival and the Beer Festival and in October the Castagnata, during which necci, castagnacci, frugiate and local wine are sold.