Fucecchio
Welcome to Fucecchio, Tuscany!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Fucecchio, a Tuscan town of about 22,785 inhabitants, located in the Lower Valdarno, bordering the wetland area of the Padule di Fucecchio.
Physical geography
The territory of Fucecchio extends over an area of approximately 65 km², with an average altitude of 25 m above sea level. Walking through the town, you can see that it is formed by a flat part, a hilly part, and a depressed part, belonging to the Padule. The town borders other Tuscan municipalities, including Ponte Buggianese, Larciano, Cerreto Guidi, and San Miniato.
Origins of the name
The name "Fucecchio" derives from the Latin "ficus", which indicates the presence of many fig plants. The toponym was used in the Middle Ages as "Ficcicclo" and "Ficecli", before becoming the current one.
History
The history of Fucecchio is linked to the powerful Cadolingi family, who founded the Salamarzana castle and the Abbey of San Salvatore in this place. In the Middle Ages, Fucecchio was the scene of numerous disputes between Lucca and Florence and lived under the authority of the Florentine Republic from 1330. In 1500, the town was hit by a severe plague that decimated the population, but since then there has been a repopulation work that culminated in the 18th century.
The economy of Fucecchio
In the 19th century, Fucecchio was a populous town, dedicated above all to manufacturing, craftsmanship, and small trade. However, after World War II, the Tuscan municipality underwent its real "industrial revolution", thanks to the development of the leather and footwear sectors. Today, Fucecchio is famous for producing high-quality shoes.
Fucecchio is a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. If you happen to pass through here, I recommend visiting the Abbey of San Salvatore, the Civic Museum, and the beautiful Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. There are also typical restaurants where you can taste the delicacies of Tuscan cuisine.
In short, if you are looking for a place to relax, immersed in the beauty of Tuscany, Fucecchio is the right place for you!
