Fabbrica
Let's discover the Frazione of Fabbrica
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about a very interesting fraction of the municipality of Peccioli, in Tuscany: Fabbrica.
Physical geography
Fabbrica is situated in an elevated position on the right side of the Era river. It faces the confluence of the river with the Sterza stream, and it is crossed by two main roads, one coming from the Maremmana road of San Vivaldo (Montaione) and the other from Pontedera passing through Peccioli and Montecchio (Peccioli).
History
The history of Fabbrica is very interesting. In the past, it was a castle owned by the diocese of Volterra. In 1163, it was conquered by the Pisan army led by Ranieri Caetani, who had already subdued the Peccioli rebellion led by Giovanni Borgherucci.
The Gaetani family was very important for the city, building a fortress with four corner towers, a large central keep, and a surrounding wall around the XIII century. In 1284, Fabbrica is mentioned in the statutes of Pisa and assigned to the captain of the upper Val d'Era residing in Peccioli, together with Montefoscoli, Latreto, Montecuccheri, Montecchio (Peccioli), and Cedri (Peccioli).
In 1362, the Florentines conquered Peccioli and the Gaetani briefly seized the castles of Fabbrica and Ghizzano. However, already in 1364, after the battle of Cascina, Pisa managed to regain possession of these castles.
At the height of hostilities between Pisa and Florence, in 1406, Pietro Gaetani pushed Fabbrica to surrender spontaneously to the Florentines, obtaining in exchange privileges and facilities for himself and the local inhabitants.
Monuments and places of interest
If you visit Fabbrica, do not miss the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The church is very old; it was rebuilt in 1833, but some believe that the intervention may have detracted from its original architecture. It is large in ancient structure, with square stones in three naves.
The parish church of Santa Maria in Fabbrica at the Volterrano synod of 1356 was the matrix of four parishes, currently united in two: San Martino in Montelopio, existing and united to the parish church, and Santa Lucia in Montecchio, existing. The other two, San Michele in Celli and San Giorgio alla Rocchetta di Montecuccoli, have been suppressed.
Conclusions
In summary, Fabbrica is a historic and interesting fraction, which still retains numerous elements of its past. If you want to spend a different day and immerse yourself in Tuscan history, Fabbrica is the perfect choice for you.
