What to visit in the surrounding area
VINCI, land of Leonardo (just 3 km away)
In Vinci, we suggest to visit the Leonardo Museum which hosts a section dedicated to optical studies and a large collection of wooden models of Leonardo's machines inside the Castello dei Conti Guidi , the Leonardiana Library and the Leonardo da Vinci Ideal Museum.
We recommend taking the Strada Verde the walk that leads from Vinci to Leonardo's birthplace in Anchiano and from here, if you wish, you can continue further among beautiful panoramas of olive trees to visit the secular holm oak of Faltognano.
Faltognano and the centuries-old holm oak (just 3 km away)
It is located on the road between Anchiano and Vitolini, reachable by car continuing from the Casa Natale car park, a village on the slopes of Montalbano, famous for its holm oak, a plant by Leonardo, it is a monumental flow, positioned on a panoramic garden, from which it is possible, in conditions of clear skies and without haze, to see the Tyrrhenian Sea on the horizon.
Ideal for a picnic and a walk with the family.
CERRETO GUIDI (just 5 km)
To visit in Cerreto Guidi is the Medici Villa, desired by Cosimo I dei Medici in 1556 as country and hunting residence. For Villa opening times see the official website
The Villa has an imposing staircase to access it, designed by Buontalenti.
Today the Villa houses the Historical Museum of Hunting and Territory. Also interesting is the Museum of Local Memory, where there are testimonies of the traditional activities of the area and local history.
FUCECCHIO MARSHES (10 km away)
The Fucecchio Marshes constitute the largest Italian internal marshland with an area of approximately 200 hectares. Various itineraries are possible, which can be covered on foot or by mountain bike for nature and migratory bird observation. The “Le Morette” itinerary (free access) and the “Righetti” itinerary (access only with a guided tour) are highly recommended.
E It is also possible, at certain times of the year, to visit the Marshes on board traditional flat-keel boats. A fascinating navigation of about two hours in the heart of the Fucecchio Marshes to rediscover the ancient Padulan traditions that have allowed the survival of the communities of the neighboring towns and of the Marshes itself. Crossing the clear waters it will be possible to closely observe the characteristic hunting huts and learn about the traditional forms of fishing, explained by the guides.
We recommend contacting the Il Padule Association. www.associazioneilpadule.it
SAN MINIATO ALTO (15 km)
The medieval village stands in a strategic position on a hill along the Arno, between Florence and Pisa. Precisely because of its panoramic position it was a strategic point for the control of the Valdelsa area. It is the seat of the Diocese of San Miniato, whose building overlooking Piazza del Seminario shows a façade full of frescoes.
We recommend visiting it in the afternoon, at of sunset, when the shades of light and the inclination of the sun's rays create a suggestive "trompe-l'oeil" effect whereby the frescoes appear to be in bas-relief.
Absolutely do not miss a delicious stop at the Camilla artisanal ice cream shop, a few steps from the car park that you will find as soon as you enter San Miniato.
Following a short 10-minute route you reach the highest hill, where you you will find the Rocca Federiciana, a remake of the medieval one destroyed in the Second World War. From the lawn around the Rocca you can enjoy a wonderful panorama: the vast plain of the Arno, the mountains of Pisa, Pistoia and Florence, the hills that slope down from San Gimignano and Volterra towards the sea.