Asciano: Medici Aqueduct, Churches and Trails through the Valle delle Fonti

Asciano between aqueduct history and churches

Asciano reveals its historic character particularly at the Cisternone of Asciano. The historic building is located in the protected ANPIL Valle delle Fonti area and was built in 1695 as part of the Acquedotto Mediceo complex. Inside, there is a model of the Acquedotto Mediceo of Pisa and its surroundings at a scale of 1:1000. The model covers around 60 square metres and shows the condition in the first half of the 19th century. In this way, the history of the aqueduct and an illustrative representation of its geographical surroundings come together in one place.

Construction of the Acquedotto Mediceo began in 1592 and included more than 900 arches along a route 6 kilometres long. Many sections between Asciano and Pisa can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The section of the Acquedotto Mediceo in Asciano is located on Via dei Condotti, which is used for walking and cycling. At the same time, it marks the beginning of the “La Via degli Acquedotti” trekking route, which connects Pisa and Lucca via Monte Pisano. This makes it easy to combine historic structures and longer trails when planning your visit, without requiring both experiences to follow the same pace.

Sacred architecture from different periods

The history of the town includes the Pieve di San Giovanni Battista in Asciano, first mentioned in surviving records in 1137. Its façade is clad in neatly cut limestone blocks from the quarries of San Giuliano. An inscription on the bell tower bears the words “1914 Il Popolo”. The Oratorio di San Rocco in Asciano also has a long documented history: the first documented evidence comes from pastoral visits recorded between 1622 and 1657, and the oratory was restored in 1888.

The Chiesa di Nostra Signora di Fatima in Asciano reflects a different architectural period. It was built in 1986 to a design by the architect Gabriele Bonaguidi. The small chapel has a pitched roof and a single-nave interior. Together with the parish church and the oratory, it creates a picture in which medieval records, later restoration and a 20th-century building are directly connected with exploring the town.

Valle delle Fonti and trails to Mirteto

Alongside the buildings, smaller natural and trail destinations help orient visitors in Asciano. The Giardino dei Profumi is a small botanical garden with several particularly important flower species. Trail 117 begins in Loc. Asciano Valle on the road to Casa del Polacco, the entrance to the ANPIL Monte Castellare. A Centro Parco and a Foresteria for accommodating hikers are also located along Trail 117.

Trail 121 leads uphill from the Cisternone of the Acquedotto Mediceo in Asciano to Mirteto. The remains of the ancient hermitage of Santa Maria di Mirteto include monastic outbuildings, houses, granaries and an olive mill. Another route begins in Asciano Pisano, passes through the Valle delle Fonti and ends at the Bottinello di San Rocco, from which the arches of the old Acquedotto Mediceo begin. After crossing the stream, a steep path follows the aqueduct line through holm oaks and pine trees to the “Scarpa d’Orlando” spring. There is also a hiking trail along the brick vault of the old aqueduct to the Renaissance Cisternone of the Acquedotto Mediceo.

When choosing a hotel in Asciano, you can therefore decide whether you would like to focus on the historic structures along the aqueduct, the churches in the town or the trails in the Valle delle Fonti.

More places for planning your trip

More places to help you find your bearings: Ripafratta, Madonna Dell'acqua, Molina Di Quosa-Rigoli, Gello, Arena Metato.

For the higher-level travel overview: San Giuliano Terme.