Discover Mercatale: History, Olive Oil and Trails through the Greve Valley

Mercatale combines a historic village center with Tuscan architectural history, an olive oil tradition and routes through fields, vineyards and forests. If you would like to combine culture and landscapes on your trip to Italy, you will find a range of starting points here to help with your planning.

Historical Traces in the Village and Surrounding Area

The historic village center of Mercatale developed as a hub for exchange between the nearby castles. Several buildings give this historical context a tangible presence. The Cappella dei Marcellini was built at the end of the 17th century and has a domed roof divided by visible ribs. The Cappella San Girolamo ai CofferI is a 17th-century building; above the door is the marble coat of arms of the Valdesi family.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria a Mercatale is also one of the notable historical landmarks: it was built in 1786 and rebuilt in 1839. Castello Il Palagio is mentioned as early as 1252. The University of Siena established an astronomical observatory at the Torre di Luciana. The Torre di Luciana itself is an old manor house with a massive tower and overlooks the Greve Valley.

Vineyards, Forests and Wide-Ranging Views

One route leads from Mercatale through fields and vineyards and offers views across the Greve Valley as far as Pratomagno and the Apennines. This allows you to experience the landscape not only as a backdrop but also along a specific route. In the area around Mercatale, the Anello di Calcinaia passes through forests and vineyards before joining Terzona Trail No. 451.

Hiking Routes with Different Distances

The routes differ significantly in length and character. One route starts at Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Mercatale and leaves the village via Via Gramsci. Vehicle traffic along the route is generally light. In the area around Mercatale, the hike on the Anello di Calcinaia takes about four hours. Another route, 28 kilometers long with 550 meters of elevation gain, starts in Mercatale Val di Pesa. These different details help you assess your own daily planning and the amount of activity you are looking for more precisely.

Olive Oil and Tuscan Festival Traditions

Olive oil production in Mercatale has been documented since Roman times. Every March, Mercatale Val di Pesa hosts the exhibition and market “Mercantolio olio D.O.P. Chianti Classico”. The Festa della Fettunta e Olio Nuovo included a traditional meal with locally produced extra virgin olive oil and typical Tuscan dishes. The Festa della Fettunta e Olio Nuovo, organized by the Casa del Popolo in Mercatale in Val di Pesa, had reached its 24th edition.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

For further orientation, you can also explore Bargino, La Romola, San Pancrazio, Montefiridolfi, Cerbaia and Ponte Rotto.

For the overarching travel overview: San Casciano In Val Di Pesa.