Introduction to Pelago, a Tuscan gem set in nature
Located in the province of Florence, in the splendid region of Tuscany, Pelago is a charming town immersed in the natural beauty of the mountains between the Apennines, Pratomagno and Val di Sieve. This delightful location offers a perfect combination of history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. If you are looking for an authentic destination in which to enjoy the Tuscan tranquility and authenticity, Pelago is the perfect place.
Pelago: a past rich in history
The history of Pelago dates back to Etruscan times, but the area in which the village stands has been inhabited since prehistoric times and, obviously, the Romans also occupied this area. Like many other towns in Tuscany, Pelago also reached its peak in medieval times. The municipality was an important crossroads of commercial routes and a defensive bulwark thanks to its imposing castle which at the time belonged to the Cattani family, vassals of the powerful Guidi counts. During the following centuries, Pelago underwent a series of changes and transformations, leaving indelible traces of its history in the architecture and monuments still present today.
What to see in Pelago: cultural treasures and natural beauties
Pelago offers a variety of attractions that will satisfy the tastes of any visitor. Between naturalistic beauties and important legacies of the past, Pelago can satisfy the tastes of many travellers. Pelago is an enchanting place that offers a perfect combination of history, culture and natural beauty. With its medieval castle, its parish church and proximity to other attractions such as the Nipozzano Castle and the Pieve di San Lorenzo a Diacceto, Pelago will capture your heart.
Here are some of the main things to see in Pelago:
Castello di Pelago: the medieval heart of the village
Pelago Castle, owned by the Cattani family since the 12th century, dominates the entire surrounding area offering a spectacular panoramic view. Between 1248 and 1253 it was occupied by the Guelphs exiled from Florence. Still clearly recognizable in its layout, the castle is made up of various structures, including the parish church and the town hall, which are enclosed around a central square. A visit to the castle will allow you to immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere, explore the heart of the historic center of Pelago and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
Pieve di San Clementein Pelago
The Pieve di San Clemente, located in the heart of Pelago, has been documented since the thirteenth century even if the status of “pieve” was assigned only starting from 1413. Over the centuries the church has undergone various restoration interventions which have inevitably changed the appearance. The interior, with three naves, is rich in works of art, also because in 1994 various works from various abandoned churches found in the surrounding area were transferred here. So today we find a beautiful collection of works ranging from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century. Among the main ones, there is a Crucifix from the first half of the 14th century, the triptych with the Madonna and Child and Saints by an anonymous Florentine from the 15th century and the Nativity between Saints Francis and Jerome by Sebastiano Mainardi (early 16th century).
What to see around Pelago: nearby attractions
If you would like to further explore the surroundings of Pelago, there are a few attractions that are worth a visit:
Castello Nipozzano: a wine jewel
Located a short distance from Pelago, Castello Nipozzano is an unmissable destination for lovers of good wine. This historic wine estate offers the opportunity to explore the vineyards, visit the cellars and taste fine wines, including the famous Chianti Rufina.
The castle is located in a strategic position, on top of a high hill, which over the centuries has made it possible to control the ancient Roman road of Cassia Vetus and all the surrounding valleys.
Owned by the Guidi Counts at least since 1062, the castle entered the orbit of the Republic of Florence towards the end of the thirteenth century. Since then, the castle has been owned by some rich Florentine families: the Albizi, the Cerchi and finally the Frescobaldi who are still the owners of the Nipozzano Castle today.
Coming to more recent times, we find the castle involved in the Second World War, when the Germans demolished the high central tower of the keep. Despite the damage suffered, the castle retains an indisputable charm which, combined with the possibility of tasting, makes it an almost obligatory stop for anyone visiting this area.
Pieve di San Lorenzo in Diacceto
A few kilometers from Pelago is the suggestive Pieve di San Lorenzo in Diacceto, a church that dates back to the 11th century. Completely rebuilt around the mid-nineteenth century, the parish church was frescoed by Ferdinando Folchi and Antonio Noferi. Inside there is a terracotta from the Della Robbia school and a painting of the Madonna del Buon Consiglio from the early 17th century.
How to get to Pelago: directions and public transport
To reach Pelago from Florence, you can follow these directions:
By car: from Florence, take the SS67 road east towards Pontassieve. Between Florence and Pelago there are about 25 kilometers, easily covered in about 40 minutes.
By public transport: from Florence, you can take a train to Pontassieve and from there continue the journey by bus to Pelago. Check the timetables and connections of public transport to better plan your trip.
Pelago is easily accessible and also represents an ideal starting point for exploring other surrounding Tuscan destinations, such as Florence, the Chianti region up to Siena and the Casentino.
