After the sunny town of Pescia, if we continue

Svizzera Pesciatina

on our way to reach the Pistoia Apennine, we will pass through one of the most enchanting areas which was defined  “Svizzera Pesciatina” (Pesciatin Switzerland) by the historian Sismondi.
This wonderful area extends along the valley of the Pescia river and the valley of Torbola and it is characterized by ten picturesque castles located on the hills and surrounded by verdant woods.

The natural door to the Pesciatin Switzerland is Pietrabuona , a village strategically located on a hillock where it is possible to visit the museum of the paper and know the evidence of a prestigious and centuries old activity.
If we continue our trip towards the Valley of Torbola, we reach the village of Medicina and Fibbialla of Valleriana, then the castle of Aramo which is located on a pick facing the valley below.

Svizzera Pesciatina

From here it is easy to reach San Quirico and then Castelvecchio where it is possible to admire the Romanesque parish church of Saint Thomas. From Stiappa to Pontino, the village of the white nuggets is nearby: Sorana. Sorana is an old village located on the hillside of the Petritulo Mountain and it takes its name from the fortress, in fact it was called “sovrana” (the queen) because of its location in the valley.  Only some of the ruins of this fortress are left nowadays. Sorana is famous mainly because of the production of a particular type of bean which has a typical dainty taste. For this reason a lot of gourmets who want to taste delicious and savory recipes go to Sorana.   

The acknowledged  capital city  of the Pesciatin Switzerland is Vellano, which once was a holiday resort. The old village, Avellanum,  located in a scenic position facing the valley of the Pescia river.  Outside the walls we find the parish church dedicated to  Saint Sisto and Saint Martino, which once was attached to the old Benedictine abbey. Finally we recommend a visit to the “Ethnographic and historical museum of the miner and quarryman”  where tools and a rich collection of minerals are displayed.

Saint Quirico: it is one of the most charming castles in the area. It is located on the eastern side of the Battifolle Mountain, and thanks to its position it is possible to see all the valleys from there. In the village center there are picturesque narrow streets which pass beneath the houses through small tunnels, and pass along enchanting bowers and shelter. In a lower position we can find the church dedicated to Saint Quirico and  Saint Giuditta . Finally we recommend a visit to the “Museum of the rural civilization”, which is located inside the holiday  farm “Il Frantoio” .

The bean of Sorana Pearl-like, small and with a very thin peel, the bean of Sorana is grown in very small areas along the Pescia stream. The farmers of the area  used to hand down from father to son the seeds. Savory and easy to digest, it is the main ingredient of many recipes. The best way to enjoy its unique taste is when it is cooked in flasks, which are called gozzi in the area of Pescia. 

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