Treggiaia
The Enchanting Village of Treggiaia
Treggiaia, a charming hilltop village located in the province of Pisa, Tuscany, is a hamlet of the town of Pontedera. With a total population of 1034 inhabitants, Treggiaia boasts a millennium-old history that has left its mark on the culture and tradition of the small town.
A Brief History of Treggiaia
Also known as Treggiaia in Valdera or Treggiaia di Palaia, the village's name derives from the Latin Tregiaria. Its origins could be Etruscan, and during Roman times, Treggiaia was part of the possessions of the district of Volterra. During the medieval period, the village suffered from the disorder of the ongoing wars between Pisa, Lucca, and Florence. In 1374, a plague epidemic hit much of the population, causing mourning and suffering until 1399. From 1406, Treggiaia became part of the Medici Signoria and, in 1622, passed from the diocese of Lucca to that of San Miniato. The earthquake of 1846 destroyed much of the village, which was then joined to Palaia and subsequently to Pontedera since 1931.
Places of Interest
The Church of San Lorenzo and San Bartolomeo, the oldest place of worship in the village, dates back to 900 AD, and the ancient perimeter probably coincided with the square in front, which was part of the defensive walls of a Lombard fortress. The Oratory of the Madonna di Ripaia, a Romanesque-style church dating back to the 13th century, was recently restored in 1992. Inside, there is a precious image of the Madonna with Child between San Lorenzo and San Bartolomeo, called the Madonna di Ripaia, attributed to the Master of San Torpè, a painter active in Pisa in the 14th century.
The Geography of Treggiaia
The village of Treggiaia can be divided into four main areas: I Fabbri, La Salita, Treggiaia paese, and Carrai. I Fabbri is the most modern and largest part of the village, which houses various public and sports facilities, including bars, a pharmacy, a sports field, and a riding center. Along the old road to Pontedera, there are several smaller locations such as Montalto, al Monte, al Cioni, al Primavori, in Selva, and al Morelli.
Discovering Treggiaia
The peace and tranquility of this small hilltop village are ideal for those who want to disconnect from the frenzy of daily life and immerse themselves in Tuscan culture and traditions. Treggiaia's strategic location, close to the cities of Pisa, Lucca, and Florence, makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the splendid Tuscan countryside. Local restaurants offer traditional dishes such as ribollita and fiorentina, accompanied by fine wines produced in the region.
The history, natural beauty, and culture of Treggiaia are just some of the reasons why this hilltop village deserves to be visited. Its elegance and ancient beauty can make anyone fall in love with this small Tuscan reality.
