Montecastello
Welcome to Montecastello: a small village with a big history!
Hello everyone! Today, I'll be talking about Montecastello, a beautiful hamlet in the municipality of Pontedera, Tuscany.
Located on a hill 132 meters above sea level, Montecastello has a strategic position that allows it to dominate the city of Pontedera, which is only 5 kilometers away. This small locality has been fundamental for several centuries, thanks mainly to its circular-shaped castle. The castle, which dates back to 1119, was sold to the bishop of Lucca by the abbot of the monastery of Serena, and has undergone several destructions and reconstructions. Starting from the 16th century, Montecastello acquired autonomy and transformed into a rural municipality with many noble Florentine and Pisan families who owned properties there.
Places of interest in the village
If you are in the area, it would be a shame not to visit Montecastello, as it has many places of interest. If you are not familiar with them, I recommend two must-see places: Villa Torrigiani Malaspina and the Church of Santa Lucia Vergine e Martire.
Villa Torrigiani Malaspina is a sumptuous sixteenth-century villa overlooking the hill of Montecastello, built by the Torrigiani family. It is possible to visit the interior of the villa by appointment and admire the magnificent park that surrounds it. The Church of Santa Lucia, on the other hand, dates back to the 12th century and is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, with precious works of art inside.
Curiosities about the local economy
Finally, I would like to talk about the economic activity present in Montecastello. Did you know that there is an alpaca farm? Yes, you read that right: in Montecastello, they cultivate the precious wool of alpacas, which is used to create high-quality fabrics.
I hope this summary has been useful for you to add Montecastello to your list of tourist destinations. I recommend visiting it in any season of the year, as the place always offers wonderful surprises and a splendid hilly landscape to fall in love with. Enjoy your visit!
