Castelfranco di Sotto
A location rich in nature and history
Hello friends, today I will talk about Castelfranco di Sotto, a Tuscan municipality located in the province of Pisa. The city is characterized by its hilly and wooded landscape and extends to the area of the Lower Valdarno, on the north bank of the Arno river. A part of the city is located on the plain, in the Arno valley.
Discovering the territory
The territory of Castelfranco extends over a total area of about 44.5 square kilometers and is divided into several locations including Orentano and Villa Campanile. The territory of Orentano is located at a height of 27 meters above sea level, while Villa Campanile reaches an altitude of 30 meters. Castelfranco di Sotto also hosts the Montefalcone Nature Reserve which covers an area of approximately 505 hectares on land.
Let's get into the history
The history of Castelfranco di Sotto dates back to the first half of the thirteenth century, when the village was enclosed by walls following the continuous wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines and between the cities of Pisa, Lucca and Florence. The territory of Castelfranco di Sotto passed from Pisa to Lucca after the death of the last of the Cadolingi Counts of Fucecchio.
To the four small existing villages, a name and the respective neighborhoods that still bear the name were given. The four gates of the village are named after the patron saints of the churches of the four villages, which once depended on the Pieve of Santa Maria a Monte.
Wars and destruction
During the second half of the thirteenth century and the early years of the fourteenth century, Castelfranco was often fought by the most famous Ghibelline condottieri of the time. Among these were Count Guido Novello, Uguccione della Faggiola and Castruccio Castracani. During this period, the village underwent destruction and sieges, remaining alternatively under the dominion of Pisa and Lucca, with capitulations of rights and obligations that highlighted its logistical and military importance.
Part of the Leather District Communities
Today Castelfranco di Sotto is part of the Union of Municipalities of the Leather District. With a population of 13,487 inhabitants, Castelfranco offers numerous services to its citizens, including schools, library and public offices. The city is recognized for leather and tannin processing, thanks to the presence of numerous companies and industries operating in the sector.
Conclusions
Castelfranco di Sotto is a fascinating place where nature and history come together to create a unique atmosphere. The city houses a natural reserve of rare beauty and hides a millennia-old story that is told by beautiful medieval architectures. If you are looking for a place to relax and discover the ancient Tuscan culture, I highly recommend visiting Castelfranco di Sotto.
