Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina
Welcome to Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina!
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover the municipality of Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina, in the province of Pisa, Tuscany? This small village of just over 2000 inhabitants is located in the wonderful Alta Val di Cecina Mountain Community and has a peculiar feature: it does not border with Volterra for only 45 meters! In addition, Castelnuovo is divided into two separate municipal areas, by Pomarance and Radicondoli. But let's get to the point, here's what you need to know about this delightful municipality!
Physical Geography and Climate
As we mentioned, Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina is located in the province of Pisa, in the heart of Tuscany. The seismic classification defines it as zone 3, with low seismicity, while the climate classification wants it in zone E with 2144 GR/G. The atmospheric diffusivity is defined as medium according to the measurements made by Ibimet CNR in 2002. As for the climate, temperatures vary according to the months, but in general we find a mild and comfortable climate throughout the year. For example, in summer, temperatures do not exceed 25 degrees Celsius and in winter they do not drop below 2 degrees Celsius.
History
Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina has an ancient and important history. The fortified village of the Pisan Republic was founded in the medieval period and, thanks to its position on the borders between the two republics of Pisa and Siena, played an important role in the history of Tuscany. In 1639, Grand Duke Ferdinando II de' Medici elevated the village to a marquisate in favor of the Florentine Luca di Girolamo degli Albizi. With the feudal investiture, the marquis was granted jurisdiction over civil, criminal and mixed cases, together with some fiscal revenues. The feudal lord was also invested with jurisdiction of the first appeal on these cases. The Nine Conservators were responsible for the control and administration of the community's revenues and emoluments over which the marquis could not exercise rights. In 1781, the fiefdom was abandoned by the Albizi family and Castelnuovo was aggregated into the minor Podesteria of Montecastelli.
Culture and Traditions
There is no doubt that Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina is a municipality with a unique and fascinating character. Here you can participate in numerous festivals and traditions that celebrate the identity and culture of Tuscany. One of these festivals is the Festa della Segale, during which the harvest of rye is celebrated and you can taste local products such as rye bread and potato fritters. In addition, during the summer, numerous evenings of music and theater are organized in the enchanting Stone Theater, a natural amphitheater carved into the rock.
What to see in Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina
If you are lovers of cultural heritage and history, Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina will not disappoint you. One of the most fascinating places is undoubtedly the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, a Romanesque church with Gothic-style decorations that has recently been restored. In addition, the Castello di Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina remains one of the most iconic places in the municipality and offers wonderful landscapes.
What to eat in Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina
Last, but not least, Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina is a culinary treasure. The typical dishes of the area are delicious and very flavorful. One of these is wild boar stew, a dish made with boar meat served with polenta. Another unmissable dish to try is "pappa al pomodoro", a soup prepared with bread, tomato and basil, typical of Tuscany.
In conclusion, Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina is a truly unique municipality, where history, culture and gastronomy blend together in a delightful way. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or to discover the authenticity of Tuscany, Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina boasts a unique cultural and culinary heritage that will pleasantly surprise you.
