Santa Maria a Monte

A CHARACTERISTIC SPIRAL SHAPE

Santa Maria a Monte, in the province of Pisa, it rises on the hills overlooking the Valley of the Arno. The historic center has a characteristic spiral shape and follows the ancient defensive walls.

Santa Maria a Monte in the past was an important strategic outpost because of its hilltop location. For this reason it was disputed territory and was dominated by Florence, Lucca until becoming district of Pisa.

Along the streets of the village they meet both the remains of the medieval defensive system that several important historic buildings. Torre dell'Orologio, Palazzo del Podestà and Chiesa Collegiata, which preserves remarkable works of art, are well preserved.

In Santa Maria a Monte, from 1999, is located the Observatory of Tavolaia. The Observatory is open to the public and organizes observations, conferences and tours. Don't miss the Museo Casa Carducci, the famous poet's family home in which he lived for several years. The Museum offers visitors a guided tour in the poet's life through photographs and documents of various kinds. In the Archaeological Park "La Rocca" you can admire the historical artifacts have surfaced after decades of excavations in the area.

 

Tradition and Typical products

As throughout the lower Valdarno also Santa Maria a Monte is renowned for the manufacture of leather. Artigliali activities related to this sector are numerous and expanding rapidly. "The way of the leather" allows you to bring visitors to these activities, promoting the shopping in factory outlets.

 

Photo Credits [wikipedia.org]