Montalbano
The Montalbano landscape is dominated by hills with grapevine cultivation occurring in the plains or on terraced fields, olive trees spreadingover the higher areas.
The green area of Montalbano extends for 16.000 hectares in the nearby of Florence, Pistoia and Prato.
The landscape is dominated by hills with grapevine cultivation occurring in the plains or on terraced fields, olive trees spreadingover the higher areas,and at the summits chestnut trees (a typical example of introduced vegetation).
Between the 16th-17th centuries approximately 10,000 acres of Montalbano were tranformed by the Medici into the. Barco Reale Mediceo, a vast area used a reserve for hunting in which short portions of the perimeter wall surrounding the area still exist today.
The area of Montalbano is particularly suited for walks and exursions, thanks to an extensive network of walking and biking trails which lead through the green hilly countryside, past archeological sites, and into the ancient woods like the oak-wood of Pietramarina.
The built-up area is characterized by country villas, elegant farms and numerous farmhouses placed on various holdings; considering the determinant action of man on the environment, the new definition of "country-garden" has been given to this area, to underline the great importance of farmer, who has made this area more beautiful and productive thanks to numerous works, like terraced fields (the extensions of vineyards and olive-groves disposed on the hills).
Today Montalbano is an area of ecological tourism, thanks to a different use of houses and lands ; an agrituristic management of the area has developed with success thanks to agricultural activities, whether traditional or unusual (from the production of olive-oil and wine to that of honey, cheese, jam and officinal herbes) and to the increase of touristic attractions.
Montalbano ...
Museums
Municipal archaeological museum of Artimino
Etruscan art and findings of Artimino settlement
V.le Papa Giovanni XXII (in Villa Medicea "La Ferdinanda")
59015 ARTIMINO - PO - Tel: +39-(0)55-8718124
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
Sunday 9.00 a.m. - 12.30 a.m.
Closed on Wednesdays.
Leonardiano Museum of Vinci
It contains one of the largest and most original collections of machines and models of Leonardo inventor, technologist, and engineer.
Castello dei Conti Guidi, 1
50053 VINCI - FI - Tel: +39-(0)571-56055
Open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Leonardo’s house
Leonardo's house can be thought as a natural integration of the visit to the Leonardiano Museum in Vinci. It contains reproductions of some drawings by Leonardo, representing the Tuscan countryside.
Loc. Anchiano 50053 VINCI - FI - Tel: +39-(0)571-56055
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday 9.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
1st March to 31st October from 9.30 am to 7.00 p.m.
Grapevine and wine museum of Medicean Trail of Carmignano wine
In the rooms of an historical wine house is located a museum dedicated to the wine – making production of the Montalbano.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Carmignano (PO)
Tel. +39-(0)55-8712468 - 8750265
Opening Hours:
9.00 a.m. - 12.00 a.m., 3.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays.
Museum of Contemporary Art and of the Twentieth Century "Il Renatico" in Monsummano Terme
"Collezione Civica - Il Renatico", temporary exhibition of contemporary art, with historical studies, catalogues and multimedia, educational laboratories about contemporary art and twentieth - century languages.
Via Gragnano, 349 - 51015 Monsummano Terme (PT) Tel. +39 (0)572 952140
Opening Hours:
Monday 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 a.m.
Wednesday to Friday, 3.30 p.m. – 6.30 p.m (winter), 4.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. (summer)
Saturday and Sunday 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 a.m., 3.30 p.m. – 6.30 p.m. (winter), 4.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. (summer)
Closed on Tuesdays
Casa Giusti Museum in Monsummano Terme
Dedicated to the Poet Giuseppe Giusti in his home.
V.le Martini, 18 - 51015 Monsummano Terme (PT) Tel. +39-(0)572-950960
Opening Hours:
Open all days except for Tuesdays from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. (summer); from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. (winter)
Il Barco Reale Mediceo
The Medici in 1626, realized the Barco Reale, a game preserve encircled by a wall of approximately 50 kilometers in the area of Montalbano, in order to protect, but also to hunt, wild boars, hares, partridges, pheasants, francolins, etc. The woods (oaks, chestnut trees, mulberry trees, pines, ilexes, fir-trees, elms, walnut-trees, cypresses, etc.) and shrubs (broom, juniper, myrtle, hawthorn, etc.) were rigorously protected . In the first decades of the 17th century the huntings suffered a certain decline and also the Barco was slowly neglected; with the transfer of the estate to the Lorena (1736) the management of the farms was entrusted to the tenant farmers who looked after the interests of the landlords. After the half of the 18th century the fall of the commerce of timber and the amount of works, to put the enclosures and the lands inside the preserve in order, caused a standstill situation unblocked only after the accession to the throne of Pietro Leopoldo (1765). Some important measures brought about a change in the utilization of these areas.
THE ENCLOSING WALLS In origin the enclosing walls (50 kilometers long) constituted the limit of the preserve . At present we can see remains and traces only for 30 kilometers. The masonry is in sandstone of great dimensions with lime mortar. Gates and sluice gates were spaced out long the wall; the gates are disappeared while some sluice gates remain . The remains of the wall are a " cultural property " which must be protected and enhanced.
La Lecceta di Pietramarina
The ilex grove has got a surface of about 5 hectares and entirely covers the top at 570-580 meters above sea level. If you go through this wood you become aware of its particular glamour. Part of these trees are ancient holm-oaks which are considered perfect living monuments with their wide, close foliages of dark green color, that allow just a gentle light to filter through so hindering the undergrowth. What is impressive is the trunks majesty of some exemplars: the biggest has a diameter of about 1.5 meters. The youngest oaks have got an upright, smooth trunk which rises up looking for light, while the eldest tend to branch off from the bottom. On the old trunks there are sometimes cavities, which are old scarred wounds that these trees have obtained with a callous tissue. Inside these small gorges there is a multitude of wild fauna specimen. The wood is made up not only of oaks but there are also other species such as holly, turkey oak and cedar. In the inner open space, where the rays of the sun filter through the undergrowth is composed of butcher's broom, ivy, brambles, crane's - bill and fern, however the undergrowth is poor especially where the thickness of the trees obstruct the light.
The Area of Querciola
The "bucchero" and the classic black and white ivory are testimonies of the Etruscan civilisation in the territory of Carmignano (at least until the 1st century B.C.).The Etruscan settlement was located on the tops of Artimino hill. The acropolis was in the vicinity of the Villa of one hundred chimneypots (Villa Ferdinanda), while the houses were placed close to the castle . In the local "Museo Archeologico Comunale" (Municipal Archaeological Museum) we can admire great part of the findings coming from Etruscan houses (fragments of bucchero vases and sandstone sculptures, ceramics imported from Etruria and from Greece, objects of domestic use, table and cooking crockery, bronze and silver coins, fragments of amphoras for wine and terracotta building material) and from the necropolis ( the famous bucchero censer with an inscription from the tomb of tumulus C of the "Prato di Rosello" , and then two sets of unguentarium of the 7th century B.C.).
The Hill of Monsummano
For the lovers of nature a walk on the slopes of the Hill of Monsummano Alto is an opportunity not to miss, since the morphological peculiarities of the hill and the rare vegetation, which covers it, make it one of the more evocative places of the range of Montalbano. Walking along the itineraries through the ancient local roads or following the geological path of the Hill of Monsummano, realized by the Municipal Administration in 1988, which begins in front of the thermal establishment Grotta Giusti, it is possible to visit places of naturalistic interest . The nature of the thermal grottoes (they are among the most famous natural warm grottoes in Europe), is connected to the peculiar morphology of the Hill of Monsummano where it is possible to read the geological history of the region. To the structure of the hill are moreover associated peculiar characteristics of vegetation like the presence of 24 different species of wild orchids .
Montalbano: discover the area
Accommodations in the area
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- Firenze (Florence)
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27 km from Montalbano
Marignolle relais & charme
The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Booking ONLINE
Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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30 km from Montalbano
Agriturismo Cesani
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Availability request
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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31 km from Montalbano
Historic Villa Lucca 12 beds pool
Historic villa 14 km from the center of Lucca immersed in the green of the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves, it has a private swimming pool and a large park.
Availability request
Set on 350 square meters in a dominant position offers a unique view of the hills of Tuscany. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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35 km from Montalbano
Agriturismo la Lucciolaia
In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.
Availability request
This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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36 km from Montalbano
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
Availability request
Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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42 km from Montalbano
La Pieve
La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.
Availability request
Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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45 km from Montalbano
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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46 km from Montalbano
Villa Chianti 7 beds
Villa Chianti is a private villa for rent in Chianti area with pool and garden that can accommodate up to 7 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace and tranquility with views of the Chianti valleys not far from the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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48 km from Montalbano
Charming villa Tuscany coast 14 beds pool
Eighteenth-century villa located in a picturesque area of the Tuscan hills at the foot of the Apuan Alps, the villa has a park with swimming pool and tennis court.
Availability request
The spacious suites of the villa embellished with charming details and enhanced by modern comforts will make your stay an unforgettable experience. -
- Viareggio (Lucca)
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48 km from Montalbano
Villa Torre del Lago 5 beds
Typical Tuscan farmhouse for rent in Torre del Lago, Massaciuccoli area with 3 bedrooms and 5 beds, just 1 km from the Tuscany coast.
Availability request
Ideal solution for small groups or families looking for a villa for rent not far from the sea in a context of absolute privacy. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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48 km from Montalbano
Farmhouse Massarosa 14 beds pool
Beautiful ancient Tuscan farmhouse completely renovated located on Tuscan hills 10 km from the golf course of Versilia. The villa can accommodate up to 14 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace for those looking for a stay in the Tuscan hills while staying close to the sea. Perfect for a relaxing holiday in close contact with nature. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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48 km from Montalbano
Villa Pieve di Camaiore 8 beds pool
Luxury and charming villa with swimming pool for rent surrounded by the green hills of Camaiore not far from the sea of the Tuscan coast.
Availability request
The villa is ideal for those looking for an oasis of absolute peace and relaxation guaranteed by the elevated position and the external fence in style. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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48 km from Montalbano
Villa Prato di Sopra Camaiore 10 beds pool
This villa is really some thing special, perched on the top of a hill the views are endlessly breath taking.
Availability request
This villa is really some thing special, perched on the top of a hill the views are endlessly breath taking. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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48 km from Montalbano
Villa Camaiore Hills 10 beds pool
Villa located 3 km from the center of Camaiore in a quiet and sunny position 10 km from Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Ideal for those looking for a villa accommodation on the hills of Versilia a few miles from Tuscan sea. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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49 km from Montalbano
Restored Farmhouse Camaiore 9 beds pool
Beautiful fully restored farmhouse located on the hills of Camaiore. The villa is surrounded by a park of 2500 square meters in which is inserted the beautiful pool.
Availability request
Thanks to the dominant position on the valley from the farmhouse you can enjoy a beautiful 360 ° panoramic view.
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