The town of Pescia sits between Lucca and Florence. Both of these cities squabbled over Pescia in the middle ages. Lucca occupied and destroyed Pescia during the 13th century. The town was rebuilt only to be taken over by Florence in 1339 after a 10 year war.
The economy of the town was based on the silk industry. Mulberry trees were cultivated and the breeding of silkworms was widespread. In the 19th century the town became known as the “little Manchester of Tuscany.” Napoleon put an end to all this when he ordered the growing of sugarbeet instead of mulberries.
These days Pescia is known for flower growing, especially carnations and paper making.
the old entrance to Pescia
the campanile of the cathedral and Pescia rooftops
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta dates from the 5th – 6th century. The oldest surviving remains are from the 13th century. The bell tower dates from 1306. I find it incredible that these buildings are still standing.
the dome of the cathedral
the dome in the cathedral
closer
some interesting relics
lovely faces
The nearby Chiesa di S.Maria Maddalena is also worth a visit.
the dome of Chiesa Maddalena
inside the church
climbing to heaven
a heavenly face
We arrived in Pescia in siesta time, never the best time to arrive in an Italian town. Little was open. I would have loved to have had a look in this interesting leather shop. Guidi supplies the leather to make the shoes and bags.
Borseria Della Nina
shoes under way
the finished product
We wandered the streets for a while.
a very Italian scene
an interesting crest
Alessia and Taro took us to a wonderful enoteca for a glass of wine and the delicious taste treats that were set out for us.
Enoteca Malucchi
inside
delicious treats to go with our wine
a photo of old Pescia
a loaded wagon
Pescia is well worth a visit. If you don’t drive, take the train. It is on the line between Lucca and Florence.
Say hello to the lovely boys at the enoteca if you go.
Looks gorgeous.
By: mary D on October 21, 2011
at 7:33 am
Pescia is a cute little place and it really came alive in the evening.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:52 pm
You always find the good looking ragazzi Roz
By: Roz on October 21, 2011
at 7:49 am
I try.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:53 pm
This is true. Show us more handsome ragazzi Debra :))))
Nice posting!
Rosaly
By: Rosaly Palma Torvnes on October 21, 2011
at 8:08 am
I will keep an eye out for more.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:53 pm
I would love to own a pair of those beautifully stitched brown brogues and the matching bag. Obviously, there is pride in the way those shoes are crafted.
There’s always something calming within the cathedrals of these old towns. Adore those angelic faces and the handsome boys! Can see why some Italian men are called ‘Lotharios’ … in a nice way … 🙂
By: Sandra H on October 21, 2011
at 8:24 am
These lovely boys were happy to pose.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:54 pm
Why didn’t we meet these boys in May!!!!
By: Alison on October 21, 2011
at 8:25 am
We didn’t go to Pescia. Next time.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:54 pm
nice pictures, loved them all,
http://www.chandnidossani.wordpress.com
By: Chandni Dossani on October 21, 2011
at 9:16 am
Looks amazing!
By: rene on October 21, 2011
at 9:58 am
At a certain stage of our “house hunting”, we used to go to Pescia quite frequently as a local real estage agent had a couple of properties which were interesting. He also showed us around the “Svizzera Pesciatina” (Pescia’s Switzerland), the local hinterland which is worth visiting.
The crest that you photographed is the personal coat of arms of a former Bishop of Pescia (I do not know which one, but certainly the one who built the building where it is located). Pescia has a Cathedral and, for this reason, it has a Bishop. Notice that the crest is topped by a Bishop’s hat instead of the usual helmets or crowns.
By: Mulino Dominillo on October 21, 2011
at 10:57 am
I have been up into the hills behind Pescia. The area is beautiful, particularly in autumn. There are some wonderful small villages up there.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:56 pm
Haha look at those boys and their expressions! 😛
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on October 21, 2011
at 11:07 am
They were delighted to pose.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:56 pm
Wonderful, and very cool the town is known for its paper making. 🙂
By: Anna Johnston on October 21, 2011
at 11:40 am
There is an enormous flower market there as well. I will go one day.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:57 pm
The cathedral is amazing. And, goodness, that bell tower’s survival after all this time simply blows me away. Great post, Deb!
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on October 21, 2011
at 11:48 am
It is incredible that these buildings last so long. The Italians are good builders.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:58 pm
We didn’t go there, although we did drive between Florence and Lucca. I love these little towns. Next time!
By: Damommachef on October 21, 2011
at 12:48 pm
There are too many to see, but we have to keep trying.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:58 pm
Wow I’m so envious of your afternoon spent in Pescia! The history is an interesting read – shame about the mulberry trees. Love the octagonal shape design in the dome of the cathedral.
By: sheof108names on October 21, 2011
at 1:01 pm
Lucca was also known for silk. It is a pity there is nothing left to see.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 5:59 pm
Beautiful. Especially the the old entrance to Pescia, fascinated me. The lights and shadows giving so impressive touches… This was a wonderful afternoon visit for me too, as if I was there in my own afternoon times…Thank you, with my love, nia
By: niasunset on October 21, 2011
at 3:02 pm
The old entrance is quite lovely. It seems strange for modern cars to be driving through.
By: bagnidilucca on October 21, 2011
at 6:01 pm
Lovely town and added to my list of places to visit.
If you ever want to see the Piaggio factory museum go to the town of Pontedera. Its realy worth a visit seeing all these very old scooters and one of the rarest collections of old special Gilera motorcycles you will never see elsewhere. They also made trains and aeroplanes which are also on display. They even raced the old scooters in the 1950’s from Milan to Toranto (the full length of Italy) I met one of the factory racers of the time. They only took 17 hours to cover the whole distance, only stopping for fuel. Toilet needs were done on the bike. Pffffffffffffff The riders were poor and earned some extra money by racing, Hopefully for factory teams.
By: Anonymous on October 22, 2011
at 1:26 am
Luis, of Paris Boheme fame , is from Pontedera. He told us about the factory and museum. We are definitely going there, it sounds great.
By: bagnidilucca on October 22, 2011
at 4:13 am
Fabulous Post Deb.
By: Liz Golding on October 22, 2011
at 5:42 am
I do enjoy your trips…
By: maru on October 22, 2011
at 11:41 pm
I never saw this post …. so you know I’m smiling.
By: aFrankAngle on April 12, 2013
at 8:54 pm
I hope you found some places you recognise.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 13, 2013
at 6:36 am
Oh yes!
By: aFrankAngle on April 13, 2013
at 11:20 am