Ponte Buggianese: Wetlands, Art and Regional Cuisine

Ponte Buggianese combines an extensive wetland area with historical traces, modern art, cycling activities and a distinctive selection of traditional dishes. The Padule di Fucecchio is particularly defining; this landscape theme is complemented by buildings, works by the sculptor Jorio Vivarelli and events in the town.

The Padule di Fucecchio as a landscape area

The Padule di Fucecchio covers 1,800 hectares between the provinces of Pistoia and Florence. The “Padule di Fucecchio” nature reserve was established in 1996; its regulations were adopted in 1997. An alternative route of the Via Francigena passes through the Ponte Buggianese area at the Padule di Fucecchio. This route is part of the Natura 2000 network. Since 2013, the wetland has been recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The size of the wetland should be taken into account when planning a trip, as the landscape area extends across two provinces. The alternative route of the Via Francigena connects the natural area with a specific route through the Ponte Buggianese area.

History and art in the town

The historical side of Ponte Buggianese includes the Dogana del Capannone. The 16th-century building initially served as a Medici customs post between the territories of Florence, Lucca and Pisa. The name Dogana refers to the building’s original customs function. Ponte Buggianese is also home to Jorio Vivarelli’s bronze diptych “Parabola Storica, ultima sfida” from 1993. In addition, postmodern works by the sculptor Jorio Vivarelli, who came from the province of Pistoia, can be found in the town.

Traditional dishes from Ponte Buggianese

Traditional dishes from Ponte Buggianese include fried frogs, fried eels, pappardelle with marsh birds, risotto with wood pigeons, bread soup and farinata made with black cabbage.

Cycling and events

The “Alfredo Martini” cycling track is located in a district of Ponte Buggianese. The paved track is approximately 2 km long and allows for safe cycling. Cycling in the wider area also has a specific historical event dimension: the “Pedala Padule 2025” event took place in 2025 for its thirteenth edition and followed roads, road verges and unpaved paths in the Ponte Buggianese area. Two specific cycling variables are therefore particularly relevant for trip planning: the paved length of the cycling track and the changing surfaces of the event route. “Ponte in Festa” is a multi-day event held annually in Ponte Buggianese.

Getting there and orientation

The Montecatini Terme-Monsummano railway station is considered the reference station for Ponte Buggianese. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the motorway toll station on the A11 Firenze–Mare. For individual travel to Ponte Buggianese, the railway station and the motorway are two points of reference.

More destinations to compare

If you would like to compare Ponte Buggianese with other destinations for your trip to Italy, you can find Buggiano, Lizzanello, Larciano, Abetone, San Marcello Pistoiese, Pianosinatico, Quarrata and Pracchia here.

For the overarching travel overview: Pistoia.