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Pescia’s treasures
Lifting your gaze up to the hills that crown the Svizzera Pesciatina, on the left bank of the river, you will catch a glimpse of the part of Pescia that in ancient times was called “Il Prato” (the lawn), just outside the bulwark walls. This area is dotted with many important monuments. One of these is the local hospital whose original building was established upon the will of Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo. Opposite the entrance of the hospital is the little church of Sant’Antonio Abate, built toward the mid-14th century by the Tau friars. The presbytery is a valuable gothic jewel, decorated by Bicci di Lorenzo between 1421 and 1436. This cycle of paintings represents the most ancient iconographic representation of the town of Pescia. The church preserves a famous Deposition, a wooden work nicknamed “Santi Brutti”, dating to the 12th century.
A little further on you will find the Church of Saint Francis. Many artists offered their talent to decorate its interiors: the most famous were Bicci di Lorenzo, father and son, Iacopo Ligozzi, Domenico Crespi called “il Passignano”, Andrea Cavalcanti called “il Buggiano”. The most meaningful works of art are the frescos in the Major Chapel, the Cardini Chapel and the renowned painting on wood with Saint Francis painted by Bonaventura Berlinghieri in 1235.
In front of the church of Saint Francis soars the most important historic theater of the Valdinievole: the Pacini Theater. It was built in 1728 and was dedicated to composer Giovanni Pacini from Messina, who lived in Pescia between 1855 and 1867. From this part of the town, you can either go back to Piazza Mazzini or, following the river bank, take the road leading to the Valleriana hills, ready to enjoy breathtaking scenarios.
Information
Tourist Office - Pescia |
Former Flower Market
via F.lli Rosselli,2
Ph. +39 0572 490919
Fax +39 0572 499933 |
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