Pocaia
Pocaia: a small historic village
Pocaia is a charming historic village located in the province of Arezzo, just 2.35 km from Monterchi. This hamlet was born between the 12th and 13th centuries as an expansion of the castle of Pocaia, of which unfortunately there are no material traces. However, the name Pocaia was mentioned in Emanuele Repetti's Geographical Physical Historical Dictionary of Tuscany, in relation to two parishes, namely Santa Agata and San Biagio. Both were Christian martyrs and their cult developed around the 5th and 6th centuries. In 1856, the village was hit by a sporadic cholera outbreak, but fortunately this fact did not affect the beauty of the place and its millennium-old history.
Archaeological finds
During archaeological excavations, important finds related to a Roman "fundus" belonging to Gaio Plinio Cecilio Secondo were made, which remained active until the 3rd-4th century AD. In addition to this, a necropolis dating back to the 1st century BC was also discovered. These relics are evidence of the importance of the Pocaia territory already in Roman times, as our ancestors knew and certainly appreciated the beauty and tranquility of the place.
The Madonna of Milk and the Church of the Beautiful Madonna
Until the early twentieth century, in the village of Pocaia there was the cult of the Madonna of Milk, a Madonna that represented motherhood, maternal affection, and fertility symbolized by the milk that feeds the newborn. Today, in the Church of the Beautiful Madonna, another Madonna is venerated who has won the hearts of the faithful of the area: the Madonna with terracotta baby, protector of drivers and travelers. This Madonna is particularly dear to the people of Pocaia because she represents a spiritual reference point and protection for those who have to drive along the roads of Tuscany.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Pocaia is an extraordinary village, with a millennium-old history and natural beauty unmatched. There are many archaeological sites and churches that deserve a visit, as well as the beautiful panoramic views of the territory, especially of the Tiber Valley. Finally, the people of Pocaia are proud of their hamlet and love to preserve its ancient and intact atmosphere, offering visitors the opportunity to discover a little-known but absolutely fascinating side of Tuscany.
