Piteglio between Valleys and Historic Routes
Piteglio between Valleys and History
Piteglio lies between the valleys of the Torbecchia and Liesina and overlooks the Val di Lima. An important ancient route across the Apennines ran through this valley, connecting Pistoia with the Garfagnana. Its position between the two valleys and the old connection from Pistoia to the Garfagnana give Piteglio a clear historical connection to the surrounding landscape.
Churches and Historic Townscapes
In the 11th and 12th centuries, Piteglio was a fortified castle under Pistoian control. Architectural evidence from this period can still be found in the old houses along the narrow lanes leading to the town center. The square bell tower of the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta also points to an earlier function as a watchtower. The Pieve itself dates from the 13th century and was remodeled in the second half of the 17th century and again in the 19th century.
Another historical layer is represented by the Pieve Vecchia, also known as the Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata. It has been documented since 1040 and has a simple single-nave layout with a semicircular apse. The church includes an outdoor pulpit accessible via a stone staircase. The Pieve Vecchia currently hosts exhibitions or cultural events.
The chapel of the Madonna del Latte houses the relic of the holy milk in a large wooden 17th-century altar structure.
Archaeology, Routes, and Border History
The area’s older history includes the Rio delle Lame archaeological site in the hamlet of Podere Fontana. It consists of ten rectangular and circular structures more than one meter high. Extensive sections of the original paving from various historical periods have also been uncovered along the Valle Lune route.
The route rediscovered by the Valle Lune association runs through the area of San Marcello and Piteglio. The Ponte di Castruccio also stands nearby. Castruccio Castracani (1281–1328), a military leader and lord of Lucca, had it built over the Lima River. In his time, the river formed the boundary between Lucca and Pistoia. Two customs buildings once stood beside the bridge; they were known as the two customs houses and formerly controlled the movement of goods and people between the two territories. At the Lima River, the border, bridge, and customs buildings thus formed a historically defined crossing within a confined area. The historic sites extend from the townscape to the routes and the bridge over the Lima River.
Chestnuts and Products of the Mountain Region
Chestnut cultivation was an economic foundation in Piteglio for centuries. The chestnut tree was regarded as a “bread tree” and was an important food and economic resource for the mountain population. Typical products of Piteglio also include mushrooms, blueberries, and cheese. The chestnut thus represents cultivation, nutrition, and economic importance for the mountain population.
Discover More Places
Other destinations at this level include Lanciole, Crespole, and Popiglio.
For the broader travel overview: Pistoia.
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