Lastra a Signa: History, Art and Nature Trails

History, Art and Nature Trails

Lastra a Signa combines a multifaceted cultural history with a landscape between hills and the Arno and Pesa rivers. A local tradition dates back to the first decades of the 18th century: the production and trade of straw hats developed into an important activity involving a significant part of the population. The straw-hat tradition developed in the early 18th century, while San Martino a Gangalandi was built around the year 1000. This artisanal past gives the town a distinct historical profile.

Lastra a Signa also provides an ideal setting for walks. A dense network of nature trails gives access to the area's cultural and natural heritage.

Sacred Art and Historic Buildings

One of the important buildings is the parish church of San Martino a Gangalandi. It was built around the year 1000 and has a classic Romanesque structure. The church also houses a museum of sacred art with paintings from the Late Gothic and Renaissance periods.

In Malmantile, a district of Lastra a Signa, the entire course of the fortification wall of the medieval castle has been preserved. The walls were built at the beginning of the 15th century to defend the hilltop. The Eremo di Lecceto hermitage was also established in Malmantile in 1473. The church of Lecceto is an example of late 15th-century architecture.

Museums and Special Experiences

The Enrico Caruso Museum offers an interactive tour during which you can hear the tenor's voice. For groups of up to 20 people, guided tours of the museum and the monumental park of Villa Bellosguardo are available by reservation. The price is €80.00, plus museum admission.

When planning your visit to the Pieve dei Santi Ippolito e Cassiano, you should take its current status into account: it is currently not open to visitors. Historical traces can also be found at the Spedale di Sant'Antonio, which was in operation in 1421 and intended to accommodate poor people. According to historical tradition, the Masso della Gonfolina was removed by the ancient Romans.

Places in the Wider Surrounding Area

The ancient sites Da Bobo All'acciaiolo and Anfiteatro delle Cascine are located in the surroundings of Lastra a Signa. The Villa Guicciardini Corsi Salviati palace and several historic gardens are also nearby: Giardino Torrigiani, Giardino degli Orti Oricellari and Giardino Corsi. The Badia di S. Salvatore a Settimo monastery is located in the immediate vicinity. Mount Il Pratone, on the other hand, belongs to the wider regional area around Lastra a Signa.

More destinations at a glance: Ginestra Fiorentina and Malmantile.

For the overarching travel overview: Florence.

More Travel Destinations

More places under the same destination:

Capraia E Limite, San Piero a Sieve, Scandicci, Scarperia, Marradi, Le Quattro Strade.