Have you decided to visit Italy this year and spend a few days in wonderful Tuscany? You could not have made a better choice, in fact … I would like to suggest something for you to see in Castelfranco di Sotto in particular.
Have you ever heard of this place? I can start by telling you that the village is on the north bank of the Arno River and a few kilometers from the beautiful city of Pisa.Castelfranco is well known for breeding chianina beef cattle, which I strongly recommend you taste, it represents all the characteristics of the typical Tuscan landscape. Are you curious to know more?Then read on and soon you will discover the 5 attractions not to be missed in Castelfranco di Sotto! Get comfortable and enjoy reading without missing even a comma!
Castelfranco di Sotto and… its history
I will briefly linger on the origins of Castelfranco di Sotto, to tell you that around the year 1000 there were already four small villages and right in the period when Guelphs and Ghibellines were fighting each other.
But that is not all…the inhabitants of these villages, to save themselves, decided to find protection in a fortified and safe place.
And from this union of the villages borgo di Castelfranco was born, and safeguarded by sixteen towers and huge surrounding walls.
There are still many signs of that far off period, starting from the four entrance doors to the old fortress… and other wonders that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
5 things you absolutely must see in Castelfranco di Sotto
The 5 attractions that I’m talking about are the ones I think are the most interesting among the things to see in Castefranco di Sotto, but if you have enough time I suggest you visit every corner of this fascinating village.
1. Monfalcone Natural Reserve
The first attraction that I want to talk about could only be the Monfalcone Nature Reserve. Did you know that it is Cerbaie’s most important natural area?It stretches over 500 hectares and is covered by very thick forests, populated especially with deer, and wild boar.Believe me, it will be a truly unique experience to spend a few hours in the heart of nature and enjoy almost unreal silence and tranquility.
2. Bell Tower
The Bell Tower, another beautiful attraction of the Tuscan countryside, represents the only one left to testify the medieval era of Castefranco di Sotto.
But that’s not all… already in the 1790s, it had a public clock that was destined to become the main church bell tower.
3. Collegiate of Saints Peter and Paul
Do not miss a visit to the Collegiate of Saints Peter and Paul, the main church in this Tuscan hamlet, which deserves particular attention:
- The two wooden statues of the Annunciation group
- St. Peter in marble
- The wooden crucifix dating from the beginning of the fifteenth century
4. Town Hall of Castelfranco di Sotto
Of great interest is also the Town Hall of Castelfranco di Sotto, which in the fifteenth century was the Chancellery Palace … Just think, this structure shows the typical example of an architectural project studied for public functions.As soon as you reach the main square of the historic center, you will find yourself in front of the imposing structure in front of which is a large sitting lion.
Do you know what it symbolizes? The authority of Florentine politics that once hovered over the whole country! There is really a lot of history to discover in this town of only about13,000 inhabitants … every single stone has something to say.
5. Conservatoryof the Nuns of St. Matthew
And so we arrive at the fifth attraction of Castelfranco di Sotto: Conservatory of the Nuns of St. Matthew.
We are talking about a building of great historical and architectural interest, where the original colonnade cloister still stands and the original paving dating back to the 17th century.
Other information about Castelfranco di Sotto
Among the typical dishes of Castelfranco di Sotto the most tasty are the Tuscan buccellato, the boiled wild boar and the Tuscan crostini, which you can taste at the Vecchio Granaio Restaurant.Among the most representative events of this period, there is the Porcino and Chianina Festival, held in October. It will be a great opportunity to try typical Tuscan dishes.
To reach Castelfranco di Sotto the nearest’aeroport is Pisa about 40 Km away.
By train you reach the San Romano-Montopoli- Santa Croce stop.
Now you know what to see in Castelfranco di Sotto. There are so many interesting attractions, right? But I advise you to visit the nearby Pisa and not miss its beautiful monuments.
