Bacchereto: Majolica, History and Via Medicea

Bacchereto combines a clearly recognizable ceramic history with two stages of the Via Medicea. This creates a destination where an interest in culture and longer hikes can be combined through specific places and routes. The historic majolica provides a direct gateway to the history of the place.

Majolica as a Historical Focus

Between the final decades of the 14th century and the end of the 16th century, a thriving production of high-quality majolica developed in Bacchereto. The historic majolica production of Bacchereto was exported to large parts of Tuscany. Archaeological examples of local medieval and Renaissance ceramic production are on display at the Complesso di S. Maria Assunta in Bacchereto. For visitors interested in ceramics and regional history, this complex offers a tangible gateway to Bacchereto's past.

The Complesso di S. Maria Assunta

The Complesso di S. Maria Assunta is considered the heart of the old village. During restoration work and archaeological investigations at the complex, walls, a gate, a road and a tower belonging to an ancient castle from the early 12th century were brought to light. At this site, the exhibition and archaeological findings connect medieval and Renaissance ceramics with traces of the ancient castle. This makes it possible to trace Bacchereto's development not only through individual dates, but also through tangible architectural and artisanal evidence.

Further Traces in Bacchereto

Between the 15th and 16th centuries, six ceramic kilns were in operation in Bacchereto; one of them still exists. Casa Toia is a building from the 14th or 15th century that, according to tradition, was the home of Lucia di Zoso, Leonardo Da Vinci's maternal grandmother. The historical arc thus extends from production in the ceramic kilns to a traditional residence associated with Leonardo Da Vinci's family.

Via Medicea: Two Stages with Different Requirements

The Via Medicea adds two hiking sections to the area's history. The second stage leads from Artimino to Bacchereto, is 22.1 kilometers long, moderately difficult and requires 6 hours and 15 minutes of actual walking time. The third stage begins in Bacchereto and ends in Vinci; it is 18 kilometers long, moderately difficult and requires 6 hours and 40 minutes of actual walking time. For your planning, the difference between the distances and the actual walking times provides a straightforward reference point if you wish to combine culture and hiking at different daily paces. The two stages also show that Bacchereto is connected to two different route directions on the Via Medicea.

Festivals and a Dish with Figs

The festival and food culture can also be described using specific names. At the Sagra del Fico in Bacchereto documented for 2025, Penne al fico was on the list of daily dishes. The Festa Grossa is a nine-day event held in May every five years. For travelers who wish to take local events and dishes into account alongside ceramics, architectural history and hiking routes, these two highlights add a culinary and festive accent to Bacchereto.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare more places for your trip to Italy, you can also view Seano, Poggio Alla Malva and Comeana.

For the overarching travel overview: Carmignano.