Terricciola
Terricciola: a brief description
Hello friends! Today, I would like to introduce you to a beautiful municipality in the province of Pisa, Terricciola! With its 4,414 inhabitants, it is part of the hydrographic basin of the Arno River and the National Association of Wine Cities. If you are curious to learn more about this city in more detail, keep reading!
Physical Geography
Terricciola is located at the confluence of the Era, Cascina, and Sterza valleys. It is classified as zone 2 for medium-high seismicity, according to the PCM 3274 ordinance of 20/03/2003. The climate of the area is classified as D, with low atmospheric diffusivity.
History
Terricciola is an ancient village of Etruscan origin, as evidenced by the discovery of settlements in the hamlets of Morrona and Soiana, where Hellenistic age necropolises with hypogeum chamber tombs have also been found. It was originally called "Tursenum" or "Tursena," according to the "Orbis Latinus" and other studies of ancient toponymy.
At the beginning, the village was dotted with defensive towers, from which the probable medieval toponyms of "Turricula" and "Terricciuola" derive. In the 12th century, Terricciola gained a prominent role among the territories subject to the Bishop of Volterra. After some wars between Pisa and Florence, the population of Terricciola swore allegiance to the Republic of Florence in 1284. In 1496, the Republic of Pisa took control of it.
During the plebiscite for the annexation of Tuscany to Sardinia, the majority of eligible voters did not vote in favor of annexation, demonstrating widespread opposition.
Symbols
The symbol of Terricciola is a natural olive tree, terraced in green. The chief is parted in red and silver with a half-silver Pisan cross vertically divided and united with a half-Florentine lily in red.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious Architecture
Terricciola hosts several interesting churches, including the church of San Donato, which is the parish church of the town. Inside, it is divided into three aisles by robust pillars and the surface is realized according to the neoclassical taste of mid-19th century. The eighteenth century "Madonna with Child and Saints" attributed to Anton Domenico Bamberini is located in the counter-facade.
The Abbey and Church of Santa Maria a Morrona, founded in 1089 by Count Ugo della Gherardesca, was suppressed in 1482. The current church was built around 1152 when it was decided to transfer the ancient monastery. It was also the residence of the bishops of Volterra.
The church of San Bartolomeo a Morrona, located in Morrona, has a facade that shows signs of 19th century renovations. The interior has also been restored in subsequent ages. The presbytery area preserves the "Martyrdom of San Bartolomeo," of Tuscan school of the first half of the 18th century.
Finally, the church of San Bartolomeo a Casanova, located in the locality of Casanova near Selvatelle, owes its current appearance to a series of 19th century renovation.
Conclusions
Well, friends, here is a brief summary of what Terricciola can offer! Whether you like it for its natural beauty, its millenary history, its religious architecture, or its fine wine, Terricciola is definitely worth a visit!
