Marti – Castle History and Valdarno Panoramic View

Marti combines a multifaceted history with remarkable traces in its townscape and on the castle hill. If you enjoy getting to know Italian places through their architecture, archaeology and local festivals, you will find several points of interest here: from the medieval settlement to the panoramic view over the Valdarno.

Marti and its medieval roots

The settlement of Marti was established in the Early Middle Ages on an existing Etruscan settlement. Around the year 1000, one of the most important castles of the Pisan Upezzighi family was built here. In 1435, Florence ordered the castle of Marti to be dismantled and destroyed.

Pieve di Santa Maria Novella

One of the important buildings is the Pieve di Santa Maria Novella, built in 1332. On the outside, it is constructed entirely of bricks. Blind arches decorate the main façade and the exterior sides; ceramic bowls from the 13th century, made in Pisan and Hispanic workshops, are also set into the façade. For your tour, the church therefore offers architectural details that can be viewed directly on the building.

Bastione: Archaeology and views over the Valdarno

The Bastione archaeological area is located on the summit where the medieval castle of Marti once stood. There, an educational trail passes exposed sections of the fortification walls, remains of ancient buildings and a rare medieval brick kiln. The Bastione area also offers a panoramic view over the Valdarno. History and landscape are therefore clearly connected spatially here.

The archaeological tour begins at the Etruscan burial site „Gina“ and follows the ancient road up the slope to the fortress. This route connects several historical layers: the Etruscan starting point, the ancient transport route and the medieval castle site. If you prefer to explore places step by step rather than through individual sights alone, this offers a particular appeal.

Finds at the Antiquarium di Marti

The Antiquarium di Marti collects, preserves and displays Etruscan, medieval and modern-era finds from the castle of Marti and the surrounding area in temporary exhibitions. The collection includes ceramics from the lower Valdarno dating from the 11th to the 16th century, as well as bricks from a late-medieval brickworks excavated at the foot of the Bastione. Access to the Antiquarium di Marti is restricted to special events.

Townscape, village festival and local speciality

The historic centre of Marti preserves a well-maintained medieval town layout. At the historic village festival on the third Saturday and Sunday in September, an arts and crafts market awaits you in the town’s streets, along with the traditional game of tiro del panforte. At the Marti fair, Ciaccini Martigiani in many different flavours are on the programme on Saturday, 12 September, from 7 p.m.

Discover more places in the surrounding area

Montecchio, Montelopio, Ghizzano, Legoli, Fabbrica

To the main travel overview: Peccioli.