Tuscany is a worldwide famous holiday
destination and for many this is represented by a few iconic places
of this beautiful region, but there are lots of little areas, country
villages, small hamlets that need to be explored and appreciated for
their culture, history and tradition, one of these is Terricciola.
Terricciola's village origins are
Etruscans as witnessed by the numerous tombs and artifacts found in
the area two centuries ago, which testify the settlements since the
4th century B.C. Most of these finds can be seen at Center
for Archeological Documentation in the close by village of Capannoli.
Of recent discovery is a large Etruscan
necropolis with origins dating back to the 4th century
B.C. containing several chamber tombs underneath the present-day
Piazza Matteotti.
Many documents from medieval times
attest the 13th and 14th century
fortifications, and its name Terricciola comes, as a matter of fact,
from the latin “Turris”, the defensive towers of the village,
while the defensive complex originated near the Church of San Donato
and the rectory was the highest portion of the fortress.
The older part of the village is
characterized by orthogonal little alleys radiating from the center
towards the peripheral old walls. Polycentric brick arches and
terracotta decorations geometrically designed feature with
originality the oldest houses.
Terricciola with more than 500 hectares
of vineyards in its territory is a valuable member of the Wine Towns
National Association, and the vine varieties cultivated, typically
tuscan, such as Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Malvasia and Cilegiolo, bring
to the masterly production of excellent wines like Chianti DOCG,
Chianti delle Colline Pisane DOCG and Bianco di San Torpè DOCG. The
event of Grapes and Wine Festival in September of every year is an
appointment not to be missed.
Worth the visit are the Sanctuary of
Madonna di Monterosso, the ancient Badia Camaldolese of Morrona with
beside the 12th century romanic Church, Villa Gherardi del
Testa and Villa Cempini Meazzuoli, the hamlets of Soiana and
Casanova.
With the help of a professional
“friend” guide like the local tour operator “Arianna & Friends” visiting the area and enjoying the typical products, or
joining their tuscan cooking school, can be the perfect way to live
an interesting fulfilling holiday through the perception of the local
way of life.
