Pelago

LAND OF CASTLES

Pelago developed at the foot of the Castello di Altomena, belonging to the counts Guidi. The architectural layout of the town was organized according to the structure of the Castle. The keep was built on a high hill that descended towards the Arno River and its outer walls went to form the walls of the houses that were built later. The houses, in turn, formed a protective ring around the Church of San Clemente. This arrangement was following the traditional methods of building of fortified villages in Italy.

The most important religious building in Pelago is certainly the Chiesa San Clemente which dates back to the 12th century. The parish is located inside the Castle and today houses a museum which houses a collection of sacred art. Among the monuments of the historical centre of Pelago worth visiting even the Oratorio del Santissimo Crocifisso. This dates back to the 15th century and characterized by a loggia from the 17th century, its interior is preserved a wooden crucifix of 1400 attributed to Donatello's school (1386-1466).

The surrounding area of Pelago are dotted by ancient villages and castles. Of particular interest are the keep of Diacceto, of which you can still see the two towers and the Rocca di Ristonchi.

 

Traditions and Typical products

One of the typical handicraft traditions of Pelago concerns the processing of wool. In the past, the local community with making rustic wool cloths. More recently, it has also introduced the transformation of flax and hemp. Pelago is also known for the production of bricks and flourishing agriculture.

 

Photo Credits [ioamofirenze.it]