Discover Ambra: History, Church Art and Distinctive Local Culture

Ambra reveals its historic character particularly clearly in its ancient town center. It is situated on a small hill between the left bank of the Ambra River and the ravine of the fortress moat. The medieval fortifications are still clearly recognizable in the townscape of the historic center.

Medieval Traces in the Townscape

The visible medieval remains include fragments of the eastern defensive wall, which have been incorporated into houses, as well as a door and a tower in the northern area. There are also traces of houses dating from the late 12th or early 13th century. An alley known as “gli sportici” leads to one of the ancient entrances to the Castrum of Ambra. These details also make the historic center interesting for visitors who want to follow the history of its architecture directly in today’s townscape.

Churches and Art

The history of the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta extends into the modern era: it was built at the end of the 16th century in place of a medieval church building that had been destroyed by the 1558 earthquake. Its furnishings include a large painting of the Birth of Mary, created in 1600 by the artist Michelangelo Vestrucci, who came from Montevarchi.

The church of the Compagnia di Santa Croce adds its own architectural accent. It has a Latin-cross floor plan, a gabled façade, pilasters on the side walls and a round oculus. The church in what is now Via Duddova was probably built in the 1570s. Its interior also contains a 17th-century painting depicting the Finding of the True Cross.

Visitors focusing on church art can consider the works separately by period: the 1600 painting in Santa Maria Assunta and the Finding of the True Cross from the 17th century in the Compagnia di Santa Croce.

Palio, Local Specialties and Trails

The Palio della Palla Tonchiata showcases the town’s vibrant local culture. Since 1998, Ambra has commemorated the theft of the tonchiata ball each year with a test of strength and skill. For this competition, two pushers each roll tonchiata balls weighing 80 to 90 kilograms through the village twice. This unusual festival combines physical exertion with a distinctive local event.

Ambra also has its own culinary specialty: at the Sagra della Lumaca, fans of the product can sample dishes made with snails, including snails in sauce.

Ambra is one of the listed stops on the Sentiero dell’Alta Valdambra. The trail can be explored on foot, by mountain bike and on horseback. In addition to the historic townscape, sacred art and festivities, the surrounding area therefore offers an opportunity to explore the region using different modes of transport. Anyone planning to visit Ambra via the Sentiero dell’Alta Valdambra can choose between walking, mountain biking and horseback riding when planning the specific route.

Further destinations: Pogi, Capannole, San Pancrazio, Levane, Pietraviva, San Leolino, Solata, Badia A Ruoti.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Bucine.