Svizzera Pesciatina this is how the area is defined, halfway between hill and mountain, a few kilometers from the municipality of Pescia. But how is it possible that a territory in the heart of the Valdinievole has this unusual name? Here is the answer: Jean Charles Sismondi, a Swiss historian and literary, was struck by the incredible resemblance to the landscapes of his home country during a trip, so much so that he decided to give it this name.
The uniqueness of the area is due to the 10 Castella, villages built entirely of pietra serena, exposed to the south and protected by fortified walls. These small jewels, embedded in the rocks, were able to develop thanks to the presence in the valley of several waterways, which favored the birth of numerous paper mills, for years the main economic source of the area.
For those who love sport and nature you can visit the 10 Castella thanks to a trekking route of low difficulty and lasting about 6 hours, in which you will be able to enjoy the unspoiled and lush nature of the place and visit the villages that still retain ancient customs and customs.
It's a bit like time has stopped here, managing to maintain its cultural identity in spite of the frenzy of the modern world.
Here are the 10 Castella of this wonderful oase:
PIETRABUONA
It is called the natural gateway of Svizzera Pesciatina. Here you can visit the "Centro di Documentazione sulla Lavorazione della Carta", in addition to the Chiesa di San Matteo e Colombano in the square of the center.
MEDICINA
Long contested between Lucchesi and Florentines for its strategic location that dominates two valleys, points of interest of the place are the castle dating back to the thousand years and the pieve dedicated to Santi Sisto and Martino.
FIBBIALLA
It is known for its 10th-century castle leading to the entrance to Chiesa di San Michele, rebuilt at the end of the 18th century.
ARAMO
It dominates the valley of the fiume Pescia and its peculiarity is related to the presence of several underground tunnels that were used to escape in case of external attacks.
SORANA
Its name is related to the famous white beans, IGP product, with a crushed shape and delicate taste. You can visit the castle of Lignana, of which only the ruins remain.
VELLANO
It is the capital of the entire valley; it is recommended to visit the "Museo Storico Etnografico del Minatore e del Cavatore".
SAN QUIRICO
The main attraction, in addition to the typical houses set in the rock, is represented by the remains of the wall and the hexagonal tower, dating back to the 20th century.
CASTELVECCHIO
The church of Sant'Ansano can be reached through the original Castellane streets. It is one of the most popular castella sits for tourists during the summer.
STIAPPA
It has been the centre of numerous battles as it originally marked the border between Tuscany and Lucchesia. From here starts the Via dei Mulini, an evocative trekking route.
PONTITO
It is characterized by its triangular shape and its pyramid trend that runs through the village. It is the only castella that has kept all the original medieval structures intact.
Image source: pietrabuona.com
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