Discover Casciana Alta: Art, History and the Tuscan Hills

Location and Landscape

Casciana Alta combines a historic town center with the open landscape of the Tuscan countryside. The town is situated on a hill above the surrounding hills and offers views typical of the Tuscan countryside. Vineyards, olive groves and agricultural fields shape the surrounding area. The hill forms the scenic setting for the town center. Its elevated location keeps the connection to the landscape present even when looking toward the historic town center.

Narrow Lanes, Palaces and Remains of Fortifications

In the historic center of Casciana Alta, narrow streets and stone buildings define the streetscape. The historic buildings include palaces from the 18th and 19th centuries. Casciana Alta also preserves remains of fortifications. The small-scale character of Casciana Alta remains recognizable among these stone testimonies to the past. The narrow streets provide a shared setting for the palaces and remains of fortifications in the townscape.

Church Art and Panorama

The Chiesa di San Niccolò in Casciana Alta houses a painting of the Circumcision of Christ attributed to Santi di Tito. The large square in front of the Chiesa di San Niccolò connects the church building with views of the Colline Pisane and the Valdera. Another point of interest for art history is the Oratorio della Madonna della Cava. It was built in the Baroque style at the beginning of the 17th century and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Inside are a marble altar with an image of the Madonna and Child, as well as murals of the Madonna by Antonio Bamberini.

Teatro Rossini and Eusebio Valli

The Teatro Rossini offers cultural, musical and theatrical events for adults and children. Workshops and courses are also held there. Casciana Alta is also associated with Eusebio Valli: he was born in and lived in the house at number 16 on the town’s central street. Eusebio Valli was the first researcher into serum therapy for rabies. The biographical trail thus extends from the central street to serum therapy for rabies.

Church Route and Destinations in the Surrounding Area

A themed church route leads to Casciana Alta and into the town center. Castello dei Vicari is located in the immediate vicinity of Casciana Alta. The surrounding area of Casciana Alta also includes Parco Preistorico Peccioli, Museo Piaggio and Ecomuseo dell'Alabastro. The castle is therefore closer to Casciana Alta than the three other destinations.

Wider Regional Area

The wider regional area around Casciana Alta includes Bagno Aurora, Cala del Leone, Bagno Ausonia and Spiagge bianche. These four destinations extend the geographical scope around Casciana Alta beyond the immediate surroundings.

Other Places in the Same Region

Terricciola, Luciana, Orentano, San Giuliano Terme, Guardistallo, Santa Croce Sull'arno, Castelfranco Di Sotto, Miemo

To the higher-level travel overview: Pisa.