Capraia e Limite

THRIVING TOWN ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER ARNO

The municipality of Capraia e Limite, stretches along the river Arno; in the northern part of the territory lies on the south slope of Montalbano, chain of hills rising to 627 metres high.

Limite sull'Arno was one of the most important centers of Tuscany, thanks to the presence on its territory of large shipyards that supplied the nobles and the ports of much of Italy. It was a flourishing development of craft "navicellai", men known for their ability to get off and go up the Arno, transporting goods. A large area of Capraia Fiorentina, instead, spreading mostly on wooded slopes, was used by Medici in the 16th and 17th centuries, to preserve.

 

Traditions

Local traditions related to River life, live today in two popular events, the Palio di San Lorenzo (the third Sunday in July) and the Palio con la Montata (third Sunday in September). River competitions between wards of the municipality who vie for victory on special boats, called "gozzi", with eight rowers and a coxswain. Capraia also the main activity was for centuries the production of clay, thanks to the materials that were collected on the banks of the river and transported by the ferrymen Limite.

 

Typical products

The territory of Capraia e Limite is nestled in among the hills of Montalbano, their position has allowed the production of wine and olive oil of excellent quality. Today the farms of the two towns are placed inside of the Association Strada del Vino e dell'Olio del Montalbano.

 

Photo Credits [toscananelcuore.it]