Uzzano

There are many traces of the area’s history around here, especially at the castle. Even the religious buildings have their own stories to tell, like the 13th-century Church of Santi Jacopo e Martino, the patron saints of the community. Inside, visitors will enjoy the Romanesque holy water font and a 16th-century statue attributed to Giovanni della Robbia, as well as a wooden crucifix made in the 1600s that can be seen on the high altar. Uzzano is also home to two 17th-century oratories dedicated to Madonna del Canale and St. Anthony of Padua.

This area was included in a stretch of the via Cassia-Clodia, the historic road that led to Lucca. It’s very likely that thanks to the wayfarers traveling the route, who in the Middle Ages were joined in droves by pilgrims walking the via Francigena, hospices were established in the area.

Uzzano still preserves its castle, the historic centre clinging to the hillside. This splendid position offers expansive views of the entire valley, but also looking up from down below, the village can’t be ignored thanks to a special lighting installation that makes it visible from every corner of the Valdinievole.

For those who love good views, it’s worth visiting the Pianacci hill, a sort of natural terrace 500 metres above sea level with views that stretch all the way to Florence and even the sea.

Continuing the journey in Valdinievole, the fascinating natural territory that extends between the provinces of Pistoia and that of Lucca, there are various places famous for their spas. Montecatini Terme is a real gem for well-being and personal care. In fact, the city boasts spas with elegant Art Nouveau architecture also known to Giuseppe Verdi.

The master himself visited the Grotta Giusti in Monsummano Terme and called it "the eighth wonder of the world". This centuries-old cave winds for over two hundred meters underground, creating underground labyrinths, with stalactites and stalagmites that evoke the Dante atmosphere of Hell.

Nature lovers can end the itinerary in Chiesina Uzzanese, a small town surrounded by beautiful flower fields and one of the main starting points for exploring the beauties of the Fucecchio Marshes.

Uzzano has a significant heritage of events and traditions, both civil and religious, which take place throughout the year. On November 11, for example, the Patron Saint of San Martino is celebrated, a festival that's deeply felt by all the locals.

Uzzano, like all of the Valdinievole, is a land dedicated to agriculture. Here, the cultivation of olive trees takes place in particular, producing a high-quality Tuscan extra virgin olive oil IGP that is the basis of Tuscan cuisine. For example, it is used to make traditional dishes, such as bruschetta, ribollita and pappa al pomodoro.