Leccio: Architectural History, Penco and Trails along the Torrente Marnia

Leccio between Architectural History and Walking Experiences

Leccio can be explored through its architectural history, the history of Penco and a public trail along the Torrente Marnia. Castello di Sammezzano, San Salvatore a Leccio and the Itinerario R21 offer different ways to discover the town. This allows you to plan your stay around both cultural and historical exploration and an independent walking experience.

Castello di Sammezzano and San Salvatore

Castello di Sammezzano was built by Ferdinando in the 19th century. This date provides a historical reference point for exploring Leccio and its architectural history.

The church of San Salvatore a Leccio was incorporated into Castello di Leccio, which was built on the Balze. After the old church in the castle collapsed, San Salvatore a Leccio was commissioned by Pietro Leopoldo. The painted cross from San Salvatore a Leccio was restored. The architectural history therefore extends from the former castle complex to a restored painted cross.

Penco: from Terracotta Figure to Bronze Statue

Penco was a terracotta statue from the early years of the 19th century and depicted a Napoleonic soldier. It stood at the La Loggia estate in Leccio. In 2023, a new bronze statue of Penco was installed in the garden of Piazza Manin in Leccio, inspired by a lead soldier from the Predieri collection. Penco is now regarded as a symbol of Leccio.

Further Cultural and Landscape Connections

Museums in the wider area around Leccio include La Fornacella, Casa Masaccio, Museo Horne and Museo Bandini. Leccio’s cultural orientation therefore extends into the wider regional area. This creates a connection for culturally interested travellers between the town’s themes and additional museums in the region.

Poggio Stefanieri is a mountain in the area around Leccio. Monte Pianellaccio, Il Pratone and Monte Querciabella are mountains in the wider regional area around Leccio. The mountain names complement the cultural destinations with a landscape perspective.

The Itinerario R21

The Itinerario R21 is a 4.6-kilometre public trail with an estimated walking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. This trail leads to Leccio and runs as a walking route along the Torrente Marnia. You can walk it or cycle along it by mountain bike. Its route by the water adds a landscape accent alongside the cultural and historical themes.

When choosing a hotel in Leccio, you can first determine the character of your stay based on your interests: Castello di Sammezzano, San Salvatore and Penco represent architectural and local history; the Itinerario R21 takes you along the Torrente Marnia to Leccio. The museums and mountains in the wider area complement these two perspectives.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

For further trip planning, you can also discover Vicchio, Il Castagno D'Andrea, Pontassieve, Vinci, Turignano, Gigliola, Fontanella and Bagno A Ripoli.

For the main trip overview: Florence.