Larciano, a gem in the province of Pistoia
Larciano is a municipality located in the province of Pistoia, in the beautiful Valdinievole about 15 kilometers from the provincial capital and 50 from Florence. Nestled among the picturesque Tuscan hills, this charming village is perfect for an out-of-town trip amidst history, art and natural beauty.
History of Larciano, a journey into the past
Larciano has a rich history that has its roots in antiquity. Its strategic position has made the territory a point of conflict between different powers over the centuries. Founded by the Etruscans, Larciano then passed under Roman rule. The toponym “Larciano” carries within it both the Etruscan and Roman pasts. Larciano is in fact the Latinization of the Etruscan name Larthial.
In medieval times it was a fiefdom of the powerful Conti Guidi family. This until 1225, when the castle was sold by the Guidi family to the Municipality of Pistoia. Involved in the wars between Guelphs (Florence and Lucca) and Ghibellines (Pistoia), the castle changed hands several times until its definitive submission to the Florentines, which took place in 1401.
What to see in Larciano, treasures to discover
Larciano offers a series of attractions that will capture your heart and your imagination. The main things to see in Larciano are certainly its beautiful medieval castle with its archaeological civic museum and the Pieve di San Silvestro. Near the nearby Padule di Fucecchio is the Casa Dei Museum of Rural Civilization, while in the hamlet of Cecina there is the Church of San Niccolò.
Castello di Larciano, an imposing medieval fortress
The Castle of Larciano, an ancient fortress dating back to the 10th century, dominates the entire surrounding area. This majestic castle dominates the valley below from above and offers a fantastic panoramic view of the hills of the area. Built by the Guidi Counts on the site where an Etruscan villa and then a Roman one once stood, the castle was equipped since the 10th century with a 40-metre-high watchtower which allowed control of the entire surrounding area. Purchased by the people of Pistoia during the 13th century, the castle was enlarged and equipped with a new curtain wall with bertesche and towers (which no longer exist) and entrance doors. Today, in addition to visiting the castle structures and climbing the tower to admire the view, we can visit the museum which is located within the perimeter of the keep.
Museo Civico Archeologico di Larciano
Inaugurated in 1975, the Civic Archaeological Museum of Larciano preserves and exhibits numerous archaeological materials mainly from the eastern Valdinievole area.m Following the itinerary proposed by the museum, we find ourselves on a long journey that goes from prehistory to the late Renaissance. Among the artifacts on display you can admire kitchen ceramics, metal objects, polychrome majolica, bricks, floor portions and incineration tombs. In the museum there is also a valid didactic section.
Pieve di San Silvestro, a religious jewel
Leaving the museum, we don’t have to take many steps to reach the beautiful Pieve di San Silvestro. Built in the Romanesque period, this church has been remodeled several times over the years. The Pieve di San Silvestro is a place of great spirituality and tranquillity, which will allow you to immerse yourself in history and religious art. Inside there are several interesting works such as the painting with the miracles of St. Anthony between St. Francis and St. Michael the Archangel and St. Sylvester baptizing Constantine to which are added two seventeenth-century stoups and an organ which is perhaps the oldest of the whole Valdinievole.
What to see around Larciano: Tuscan treasures nearby
Larciano is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding wonders. A short distance away you will find other attractions of great interest, such as the city of Pistoia with its splendid Piazza del Duomo and the wonderful historic centre. Furthermore, the surrounding area is dotted with picturesque historic villages, such as Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, Cerreto Guidi, Monsummano Terme and Montecatini Terme, renowned for its thermal baths and elegant Art Nouveau architecture.
How to get to Larciano, an easy and evocative journey
If you wish to reach Larciano, we will provide you with information on how to get there from two important cities in Tuscany:
From Pistoia: Larciano is only 15 kilometers from Pistoia. You can take the provincial road SP28 and then follow the signs for Larciano. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes by car.
From Florence: Larciano is about 50 kilometers from Florence. You can take the A11 motorway in the direction of Pistoia and then follow the signs for Larciano. The journey by car will take approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take a train from Florence to Pistoia and then follow the same directions to reach Larciano.
If you prefer public transport, you can also take a bus from Pistoia to Larciano. Always check the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes at local bus stations or on the websites of public transport companies.
