Lastra a Signa
A tourist guide to Lastra a Signa
Hello friends! Are you ready for a virtual guided tour of Lastra a Signa? Today I will talk to you about this charming Tuscan town located just a few kilometers from Florence and which, despite its small size, has a lot to offer visitors.
Physical Geography
Let's start with physical geography. Lastra a Signa is located in the low seismic zone 3 and borders the municipalities of Signa, Carmignano, Montelupo Fiorentino, Montespertoli, and Scandicci. The municipal territory extends between the Arno river and the Pesa stream and includes a part of the Arno-Pesa hill.
The Piana di Firenze, the largest plain in Tuscany, extends at the foot of the hills surrounding Lastra a Signa. Right here, at the confluence of the Arno river with the Vingone stream, the municipal capital is located.
The city of stone
Lastra a Signa has been nicknamed the "city of stone" due to the large presence of sandstone quarries in the past. In particular, pietra serena has been used to build many historical buildings in the center. If you are passionate about art history and architecture, this is the right place for you!
Among the monuments that I recommend you visit are the Pieve di San Martino a Gangalandi and the Torre della Villa Baciocchi, both built in pietra serena. The Pieve, located in the Ponte a Signa fraction, is the most important church in the area while the Tower is one of the symbols of the historic center of Lastra a Signa.
The city of music
But it is not only the stone that makes this town famous! Lastra a Signa has also been nicknamed the "city of music" because, among other things, it was the residence of Enrico Caruso. Villa Caruso di Bellosguardo, in fact, is one of the most interesting places to visit in Lastra a Signa. Today, the villa is home to the Enrico Caruso Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the golden age of music.
The city of Italian saffron
Last but not least, Lastra a Signa also bears the title of "city of Italian saffron". The surrounding area of the city is in fact well-known for the cultivation of this expensive but highly appreciated spice. If you are fortunate enough to visit Lastra a Signa in the autumn, do not miss the famous Saffron Fair, where you can taste dishes based on this delicacy.
Hydrography
Lastra a Signa is also crossed by several watercourses. The main river is the Arno, but there are also the Pesa and Vingone streams, as well as several springs and artificial lakes.
The Arno, which flows north of the historic center of Lastra a Signa, has been a fundamental element for the community's life since the medieval era. The New Bridge over the Arno, which connects Lastra a Signa to Signa, is one of the most important architectural elements in the area.
Conclusions
And here our guided tour of Lastra a Signa comes to an end. I hope to have conveyed the love I feel for this small but rich city of history, art, and culture to you. If you have the opportunity to visit it, you will not regret it!
