Ancient Towns
Lastra
a Signa
Old and ancient, Lastra a Signa in Tuscany
derives its name from the Lastra dei Gangalandi
family who held the fiefdom. But its history
goes back to the year 1000 when the Cadolingi
di Fucecchio lords held Lastra a Signa under
their rule. Lastra a Signa is positioned
at a strategic point right in the middle
of the Arno Valley. Having access to the
sea, Lastra became a focal port for Florence
and Pisa. The city center stands on the
foundations of the fortifications built
on Mount Cascioli and Mount Orlando. Lastra
defended itself against continuous sieges
against Florence and Pisa. In 1377, the
town of Lastra was encircled with town walls
and a crenallated tower. More
>>
Artimino
Resembling a perfect painting, Artimino
is picturesque and beautiful. Nestling in
the green hills of Tuscany, Artimino is
quaint and medieval and has been known for
its famous Medici ‘Villa La Ferdinanda’.
Ranging over the wine producing area of
the Vino di Carmignano, the wine of this
region was declared s a noble wine by the
Grand Duke Cosimo III de’Medici.
The Etruscans named the area as Artumeno
in the 8th century BC. History has recorded
Artimino in its annals as numerous Etruscan
burial chambers were found in the areas
of Comeano and Poggio a Caiano around Artimino.
The Roman style is still found in the names
of the villages and the farmhouses in this
area. The Castle of Artimino was constructed
in the Middle Ages during the 10th century.
Due to the focal strategic point of Artimino
there were constant tussles between Florence
and Pistoia. In the middle of the 14th century,
Artimino came under the rule of Florence.
More
>>
Montelupo
Montelupo has been known over the centuries
as an innovative and versatile center for
creating masterpieces in ceramics. Montelupo
was founded in the early Middle Ages and
was taken over by the Florentine Republic
in 1204. The area was again re-built as
a military township and towards the 14th
century the town was encircled by walls
to protect it against enemies. Montelupo
is 25 kilometers from Florence and evolves
over an area near the Arno. Ranging over
the southwestern hills of Florence, Montelupo
lies in an area where the Arno joins the
Pesa river valley. Montelupo expanded with
a big villa built by the Medici family on
the left bank of the Arno bordering the
neighborhood of Ambrogiana. By the 19th
century, the villa was turned into a prison
asylum called the Ospedale Psichiatrico
Guidiziario. More
>>
Vinci
Better known as the birthplace of Leonardo
da Vinci, romantic Vinci holds the same
magic as the rest of Tuscany. It takes just
half an hour’s drive from Florence
through the scenic SS 67 route towards Empoli
that takes you right to Vinci. Visitors
to Vinci would appreciate the town better
if they park on the outskirts and explore
this medieval village by foot. As one nears
the town, a big wooden sculpture of the
Vitruvian man welcomes you. The square overlooks
the valley below and is steep with a fabulous
panoramic view. Vinci’s mysterious
origins date back to the Etruscans. More
>>
Malmantile
As ancient as time itself, Malmantile stands
as a fortified village. A few kilometers
down the old Via Pisana from Lastra A Signa
leads in the direction of Montelupo Fiorentino.
There among the majestic hills, the Medieval
Castle of Malmantile beckons with the ancient
hands of time. Though not a very big fortification,
the castle built in the 15th century is
unusual with its strong walls still holding
out against the elements of time. Though
the origins are mysterious, Malmantile was
a military stronghold on the old road that
connected Florence with Pisa before it evolved
into a town. An interesting fact accompanies
the name ‘Mamantile’. More
>>
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