Discover Popiglio: Medieval Route, Church and Sacred Art

Popiglio connects its history with routes, bridges and places of art. The Torri di Popiglio are the last remains of the Rocca Securana. In the heart of the mountain village lies the Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra di Popiglio; it is part of the Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese.

Churches, Art and Village History

The village’s history includes the Chiesa Parrocchiale di Popiglio, which dates back to the 12th century. The Convento delle Suore Domenicane is a convent for women belonging to the Diocese of Pistoia. The Polo didattico, which can be reached on foot, is a few steps from the Pieve and offers artistic activities such as weaving. Its proximity to the Pieve connects the Polo didattico spatially with the church area; weaving remains an independent craft activity there and complements the sacred themes.

Historic Routes Around Popiglio

The Via delle Corti leads from the Compagnia along a medieval route to the Ponte di Castruccio Castracani. A trekking route via the Via delle Corti to this bridge starts from Popiglio. The different starting points are important when planning a day on the route: the Via delle Corti begins at the Compagnia, while the trekking route starts in Popiglio. The medieval character of the route gives this part of the surroundings a cultural and historical focus, while the connection to the bridge provides a clear destination.

Bridge, River and Peaks

The Ponte Sospeso is a footbridge connecting the two sides of the Lima River between Mammiano Basso and Popiglio in the municipality of San Marcello Piteglio. As a suspension bridge, the Ponte Sospeso is a footbridge over the Lima River. The Cesto del Lupo peak is located in the immediate surroundings of Popiglio. The le Piaggete peak, Monte Tagliola and the Cascate del Dardagna waterfall are also located in the area around Popiglio. The natural attractions are distributed across two spatial references: Cesto del Lupo in the immediate surroundings, and the other sites in the area around Popiglio. For nature-focused days, the range therefore extends from peaks to a waterfall.

Culture in the Wider Regional Area

Art and architecture also remain important themes outside the mountain village. The Accademia d'arte museum is located in the wider regional area around Popiglio. Palazzo Fabroni is likewise located in the wider regional area and is a palace. The Museo dell'Ospedale del Ceppo and the Museo dell'Antico Ospedale Del Ceppo museums are also located there. Museums and Palazzo Fabroni are situated in the wider regional area, whereas the Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra di Popiglio lies in the heart of the mountain village. This makes it possible to combine different cultural focuses during a stay in Popiglio: sacred art and village history on site, historic routes and bridges as movement through the landscape, and other museums and architecture in the regional area.

Other Destinations

Other destinations: Crespole, Lanciole.

To the higher-level travel overview: Piteglio.