Holiday apartment in Montescudaio: History, Wine and Nature

A holiday apartment in Montescudaio takes you to a place with several special travel interests: sacred art, medieval traces, Tuscan bread-making tradition, wine and protected nature. Between the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, the Badia di Santa Maria, the Guardiola and the Parco urbano del Boschetto, you can enjoy varied days combining culture, landscapes and family-friendly activities.

Churches, Towers and Archaeological Traces

The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta houses a painted marble sculpture of Saint Francis of Paola from the 18th century, as well as an Annunciation painting attributed to the Venetian school of the 17th century. Access is via Via del Borgo. This allows you to combine your visit with a look at two different works of art and their historical periods.

The Oratorio della Santissima Annunziata was founded in the 15th century and extensively remodelled in the 1930s. Inside, two glazed terracotta figures are preserved: the Annunciation and the announcing angel. Access is via Via della Madonna next to the town hall; two small steps must be negotiated.

Another church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta was built from 1854 to 1857. Next to the former town hall stands the Torre Civica, a tower dating from the 12th century. Inside, a museum displays finds from the archaeological excavations of the Badia di Santa Maria.

The castle walls of Montescudaio are up to 15 metres high. In their northern and southern sections, they preserve the original wall structure. Piazza Matteotti is also home to the birthplace of the sculptor Italo Griselli.

The archaeological site of the Badia di Santa Maria was a Benedictine nunnery. It was founded on 3 October 1091 by Gherardo V della Gherardesca. Its remains include walls, a cloister and burials. The CeDiAS covers the history and archaeology of the Bassa Val di Cecina, particularly Montescudaio, from prehistory to the 20th century. It hosts exhibitions, demonstrations, educational workshops and training events.

Wine and Tuscan Bread-Making Tradition

Montescudaio also has a distinct culinary profile. The Montescudaio DOC includes red and white wines. The white wine can also be produced as a dry, semi-dry or sweet Vin Santo. As a Città del Pane, Montescudaio is also associated with Tuscan bread baked in a wood-fired oven. Those looking for a holiday apartment with their own daily itinerary will find ideas here for enjoyable excursions as well as cultural discoveries.

Nature, Views and Activities

The Giardino Scornabecchi complex lies entirely within the protected Giardino–Belora–Fiume Cecina area. The Guardiola is Montescudaio's only surviving watchtower complex; from there, the view extends from the Cecina plain to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Parco urbano del Boschetto has an equipped area with children's play facilities and nature trails. The Area Sportiva il Boschetto is accessible via Via del Boschetto. Montescudaio is also connected to a cycling excursion route along the Strada del Vino. When planning your holiday apartment stay, you can therefore decide whether historical sightseeing, wine and bread, nature trails, a stay with children or a cycling tour will be the focus of your days.

Discover More Destinations

For your further travel planning, you can save Fiorino, Molino d'Egola, Santa Croce Sull'arno, San Miniato, Montopoli In Val D'arno, Orciano Pisano, Fauglia and Peccioli for later.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pisa.