Peccioli

Built as a castle town along the strategic Era River, this village dates back to 1061. It was a defensive outpost between Florence, Volterra and Pisa, and still enjoys an enviable position among some of the best sights of Tuscany. The countryside is marked by hills that are alternately wooded and cultivated with stone villages and castles sprinkled on top of them. Olive groves, grape vines and stone farmhouses add to the allure.

Peccioli can be seen from the surrounding area, distinguished by its tall slender bell tower rising above the rest of the town. It retains a charming historic center and offers fantastic views of the Pisan hills. There are some good restaurants in the region and a few cafes to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. As you wander, you'll find the 11th century Abbey of San Verano as well as the Pisan-style Romanesque church of the Madonna del Carmine, which has graceful porticoes on three sides. The Pretorian Palace once housed the rulers of the town and the stems of the 19 noble families who once governed adorn the exterior wall.

Peccioli is small but boasts four museums dedicated to art and archeology. There is a Parco Preistorico which displays dinosaurs in a pine forest that will is delightful for children. The old town has a good selection of eateries, a wine bar and some cafes along with basic shops.

Peccioli is in the province of Pisa, in easy reach of Pisa, Volterra, Florence, the Chianti hills, and lovely town of Lucca, as well as the Tuscany coast.