Discover Poggio: History, Mountain Landscapes and Trails

Poggio combines a history of resistance with mountain landscapes, museums and nearby trails. During the Second World War, the village was a meeting place for local residents and resistance fighters; at the same time, the Poggio dei Malandrini ridge shapes the descending valleys.

History of the Resistance

In Poggio near Maresca, local residents supplied the resistance fighters with food, clothing and medicines. The history is therefore not limited to military events, but also includes the role of the local population.

The “Cippo ai partigiani e alla popolazione” monument stands near Poggio’s green area. A large rainbow-colored bench stands nearby. This gives the memorial site a distinctive, clearly visible colorful feature in its surroundings.

Museums and Regional Topics

In Campo Tizzoro, near Poggio, you will find the “Museo e rifugi S.M.I.”, an example of industrial archaeology. The museum includes an underground shelter protected against air raids. This underground air-raid bunker extends for more than 2 km and gives the museum site a clearly recognizable historical dimension.

Palazzo Achilli serves as the central information point for the Ecomuseum near Poggio and hosts temporary exhibitions as well as educational workshops for adults and children. The Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese also offers six routes focusing on local history, traditions and human work. In the area around Poggio, visitors can choose from temporary exhibitions, educational workshops and six routes focusing on local history, traditions and human work.

The Ferrucciano Museum of Gavinana commemorates the Battle of Gavinana of 1530 in the area around Poggio.

Mountain Landscapes and Trails

Near Poggio, the Poggio dei Malandrini ridge separates the terrain that descends westward towards the valley of the Torrente Verdiana from that descending eastward towards the valley of the Torrente Orsigna. These two valley directions structure the landscape and make the transition between ridge and valleys an immediate focus.

Hikers and cyclists travel along the route of the Ferrovia Alto Pistoiese (F.A.P.) near Poggio.

One hike leads from the Foresta del Teso to the summit of Poggio dei Malandrini.

The “San Marcello Pistoiese and the enchanted Forest” route leads to Maresca and then climbs towards Casetta Pulledrari.

Rest and Overnight Stays in the Area

Near Poggio, the Rifugio del Montanaro has 12 sleeping places in two rooms. Its large wooden panoramic terrace was built in summer 2006 and allows hikers to take a break outdoors.

The refuge also has a bivouac with a fire pit, which is considered to be permanently open and provides shelter for people during storms.

If you would like to explore another destination from the same selection, the next step leads to Lizzano.

For the overarching travel overview: San Marcello Pistoiese.