Montopoli in Val d'arno

THE "CASTLE INSIGNE" PRAISED EVEN BY BOCCACCIO

Montopoli, a village in the lower Valdarno, is part of the province of Pisa. Is a town of medieval origins although the territory were found traces of Etruscan that Romans. The area in the past was disputed by Lucca, Pisa and Florence due to its strategic position of dominion over the Valley. The remains of towers and fortifications bear witness to its past as a military outpost. Boccaccio named Montopoli on "Castle insigne", unfortunately the imposing fortress was destroyed during World War II. It is worth visiting the Tower of Saint Matthew, what remains of the ancient fortress and the Arch of Castruccio, where you can enjoy an open belvedere.

 

Traditions and typicality

In Montopoli every second Sunday of September there is a suggestive reenactment, Montopoli middle ages. The Festival includes parades in medieval costumes, the traditional challenge of archery between the districts (quarters) and the performance of traditional medieval art in the streets of the village.

Nowadays Montopoli, apart from its natural beauty and historic sites, is also interesting for its agriculture and traditional industry. The vineyards of the area producing thel Chianti delle Colline Pisane while the craft is known for the development of the footwear industry and of ceramics.

 

Photo Credits [wikipedia.org]