Serra Pistoiese
Serra Pistoiese: a hidden treasure in Tuscany
Serra Pistoiese is a small hamlet located in the province of Pistoia, in Tuscany. This mountainous location is situated at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level and is a hidden treasure of the region. Serra Pistoiese is characterised by its medieval stone village, which offers a panoramic view of the two sides of the crest: the valley of Torrente Pescioline and Torrente Pescia di Calamecca.
Physical geography
The medieval village of Serra Pistoiese was built on the ridge of a mountain that made the position easily defensible against external attacks. The position of Serra Pistoiese is situated in the average mountain of Pistoia, surrounded by an enchanting and rustic landscape.
History
Serra Pistoiese has a history that dates back many centuries. The first record of Serra was registered in 1040 as a fortress of the Counts Alberti di Capraia and later, at the end of the thirteenth century, it was ceded to the people of Pistoia. In 1327, the castle was destroyed by the consul for life of Lucca, Castruccio Castracani degli Antelminelli, but was promptly rebuilt.
Monuments and places of interest
Within the fortified village of Serra Pistoiese is the ancient Church of San Leonardo in stone, erected after the destruction of the town by Castruccio Castracani. The ancient organ of the church is considered one of the best in the province of Pistoia and concerts are often held inside the church. In the bell tower of the church of San Leonardo, the access door to the entire village was carved.
At the bottom of the southeast slope, you can visit the ruins of the ancient parish church of Sant'Andrea di Furfalo, called the "Pievaccia", partially restored recently. The Pieve was particularly important in the Middle Ages during the struggles between the Lombards and the Byzantines, dating back to the seventh and eighth centuries, since with other pieves, such as Neure in the Nievole River Valley, it was part of a strategic defense line that served to face the advance of the Lombards from Lucca towards the Upper Mountain of Pistoia.
Culture
Serra Pistoiese is a locality rich in cultural and gastronomic events, which attracts thousands of people every year. Among these events are Piazzette in Festa, Addolciamoci, and Sagra della Patata Fritta.
Events
The "Piazzette in Festa" event is a historical-gastronomic event that takes place in the medieval village of Serra Pistoiese. Visitors can taste typical peasant dishes, such as chestnut flour necci, polenta in the pot, bread soup, and black cabbage farinata. The historical procession with flag bearers, the market of iron, wood, paper, glass craftsmen, and street artists make the festival even more suggestive.
"Addolciamoci" is another event that takes place in Serra Pistoiese in mid-August. The festival involves the tasting of typical Tuscan sweets such as schiacciata with grapes and castagnaccio.
Finally, the "Sagra della Patata Fritta" takes place on the last Sunday of September. On this occasion, a huge steel pan of about 3 meters in diameter is set up to fry the potatoes. The competition is open to all growers in Valdinievole and has seen potatoes exceeding 4 kilograms displayed.
In summary, Serra Pistoiese is an enchanting hamlet located in the province of Pistoia, in Tuscany. Thanks to its mountainous location, the peculiarity of its medieval village, and its millennial history, this location represents a true hidden treasure, immersed in a rural and natural landscape of great charm, which represents an ideal destination to spend a day outside and savour the authentic Tuscan culture.
