Marcialla
Marcialla: a hilltop village with an important history
Hello everyone! Today I would like to talk to you about Marcialla, a beautiful hamlet located between the municipalities of Certaldo and Barberino Tavarnelle, in Tuscany, where I spent some days on vacation this summer.
History
The particular geographical position of Marcialla, on a hill that separates Val d'Elsa from Val di Pesa, has made this village an important strategic crossroads over the centuries. In fact, Marcialla was initially the "mercatale" (marketplace) of Pogni and then became an autonomous commune under the dominion of Florence, always maintaining a considerable strategic importance.
Leonardo da Vinci himself mentioned Marcialla in a map of Val d'Elsa that is now preserved in the Royal Library of Windsor.
Places of interest
If you decide to visit Marcialla, you cannot miss the Church of Santa Maria, dating back to the 12th century and rebuilt in the 16th century. Inside you can admire some interesting works of art.
Another religious building worth visiting is the Church of San Lorenzo in Vigliano, of Romanesque origin and expanded in 1928.
Among the palaces, stands out Palazzo Bargagli Stoffi, the nerve center of Marcialla's life for centuries, which has transformed from a farm to a rustic dwelling of the Bargagli Stoffi marquis.
But it doesn't end here! On the main square of Marcialla there is also Villa Capponi, which has been owned by the Giannozzi family since 1800. Inside the villa, which now houses a Bed & Breakfast, you can admire a beautiful room with brickwork laid out in a diamond pattern.
Theater
If you are a theater lover, you must absolutely make a stop at the Regina Margherita Theater, located in the nearby municipality of Barberino Val d'Elsa.
Sports
But let's now talk about sports, because in Marcialla the Matteotti Trophy takes place every year, a national classic cycling race reserved for the Elite and Under-23 amateur category. This race, which dates back to 1952 and has seen the victory of great cyclists such as Gastone Nencini, Rolf Sørensen and Sacha Modolo, crosses the municipalities of Barberino Tavarnelle, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Montespertoli, Certaldo and Poggibonsi.
Conclusions
In short, Marcialla is a village that really offers so many things to see and do, whether you are passionate about art, history, theater or cycling. I can't wait to go back!
