Usigliano: Nativity Art, Churches and Paths through the Pisan Hills

Usigliano is a worthwhile destination if you would like to combine culture, historic architecture and landscapes in a manageable travel setting. The village and its surroundings tell stories of religious history, farming traditions and the characteristic vineyards and olive groves of the Pisan Hills.

Nativity Art and Farming Traditions

A particular cultural highlight is the Museo della Civiltà Contadina e del Presepe in Usigliano. The museum has a permanent exhibition with more than 40 dioramas and Nativity scenes. Usigliano di Lari is also part of the Via dei Presepi of Casciana Terme Lari. On the edge of the village is the Museo del Presepe e delle Attività Agricole at the Antica Fattoria Castelli, a historic estate dating from the late 18th century. This gives you an insight into Nativity scenes and farming-based traditions without having to consider the two subjects separately.

Church History in the Village

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire was built in the 18th century next to the original 13th-century church. On May 1, 1707, it was consecrated by Francesco Maria Poggi, the Bishop of San Miniato. Restoration made the church accessible again and enabled its inclusion in the tourist routes of the municipality of Casciana Terme Lari. If you explore historic religious buildings attentively, this example allows you to connect architectural history, dating and their later integration into tourist routes.

Palaces and Smaller Religious Buildings

Palazzo Upezzinghi is located on the church square in Usigliano. It is the surviving palace of that name and is associated with the presence of the influential Upezzinghi family in Usigliano. Sala di Usigliano is also home to the Cappella di San Rocco, a 19th-century religious building on Via della Montanina. These two buildings complement the history of the Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire with a palace and a smaller religious structure.

Landscape of the Pisan Hills

Around Usigliano, there are paths through the vineyards and olive groves of the Pisan Hills. This landscape adds a quieter, more open dimension to exploring the village and gives you an opportunity to combine cultural impressions with views of the agriculturally shaped surroundings.

Destinations in the Wider Regional Area

Near Usigliano is Castello dei Vicari, a castle. The historic site Parco Preistorico Peccioli and the Museo Piaggio, a museum, are also located in the surrounding area. In the wider regional area around Usigliano is the Ecomuseo dell'Alabastro, a museum. The beaches Cala del Leone, Bagno Aurora and Bagno Ausonia, as well as the Acquario di Livorno, a zoo, are also located in the wider regional area around Usigliano.

The 25th Edition of the Sagra Usiglianese

The Sagra Usiglianese reached its 25th edition in Usigliano.

Further Destinations for Orientation

For further orientation, you can also explore Ponsacco, Pontedera, Molino d'Egola, Castel del Bosco, Vicopisano, Volterra, Buti and Chianni.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pisa.