mercoledì 7 maggio 2014

Peccioli tuscan hilltop town where hospitality is the key

Peccioli in the Valdera area of the Pisa district of Tuscany, sits above the Era and Roglio river valleys with its gentle slopes covered by vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees.


In the 11th century it was an important fortress which was later strenghthened by 6 towers placed along the perimetral walls. Today some traces can be seen on 3 of the towers and the tower of Lampredi house in the western side of the town is all that is left of the ancient walls.
Retains the original structure the arched vault brick gate of Porta Carraia that lends its character to the same name street.



From the point where the fortress was once located, typical old fashioned little streets from there start their path with their arches and underpasses. On the western and eastern part of the town, long portions of the medieval pathways can be identified. But the main unmistakable feature of the town is the unique bell tower of the church of San Verano in Piazza del Popolo.



This church, originally built as a little chapel in the 11th century, was later enlarged and in the centuries partly redesigned, it keeps its picturesque Pisan and Romanesque façade and contains valuable work of arts.



Today Peccioli is a proud small rural tuscan town with its own local culture and traditions that the inhabitants are happy to share with any visitor that here is definitely welcome, and the best way to experience the warm hospitality of this place is to stay in one of the accomodations that the  Medieval village of Peccioli ” has to offer, an enthusiastic enterprise from Arianna & Friends local tour operator, that aims to give travellers to Peccioli an authentic feel of being part of a friendly and pleasant tuscan community.