Discover Asciano: Aqueducts, Churches and Paths in the Valle delle Fonti

Asciano combines historic hydraulic engineering, religious buildings and paths through protected landscapes. The Acquedotto Mediceo and the protected ANPIL Valle delle Fonti area are particularly characteristic.

Historic Traces around the Cisternone

The Cisternone of Asciano is a historic building and part of the Acquedotto Mediceo. It was built in 1695 as part of the complex. Inside, there is a model of the Acquedotto Mediceo of Pisa and its surroundings at a scale of 1:1000. The model covers approximately 60 square metres and shows the state of the area in the first half of the 19th century.

The churches and chapels also give Asciano a multi-layered historical character. The Pieve di San Giovanni Battista has been documented since 1137. Its façade is clad with neatly cut limestone blocks from the quarries of San Giuliano. The inscription “1914 Il Popolo” appears on the bell tower. The Oratorio di San Rocco can be traced back to the period between 1622 and 1657 and was restored in 1888. This ensemble is complemented by the Chiesa di Nostra Signora di Fatima, built in 1986 to a design by the architect Gabriele Bonaguidi. The small chapel has a gabled roof and a single-nave interior.

On Foot or by Bicycle along the Aqueduct

Construction of the Acquedotto Mediceo began in 1592, and it comprised more than 900 arches along a 6-kilometre route. Many sections between Asciano and Pisa can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The section in Asciano is located on Via dei Condotti, which is also used for walking and cycling. At the same time, Via dei Condotti marks the beginning of the “La Via degli Acquedotti” trekking route, which connects Pisa and Lucca via Monte Pisano.

Sentiero 117 begins in Loc. Asciano Valle on the road to Casa del Polacco, the access point to the ANPIL Monte Castellare. A Centro Parco and a Foresteria for accommodating hikers are located along Sentiero 117. Sentiero 121 leads uphill from the Cisternone of the Acquedotto Mediceo in Asciano to Mirteto. There, the remains of the ancient hermitage of Santa Maria di Mirteto include monastic outbuildings, houses, granaries and an oil mill.

Landscape between Springs, Forest and Garden

Another route begins in Asciano Pisano: “Dal Cisternone Mediceo al Bottinello di San Rocco – Asciano Pisano” passes through the Valle delle Fonti and ends at the Bottinello di San Rocco. The arches of the old Acquedotto Mediceo begin there. After crossing a stream, a steep path follows the aqueduct conduit; the route passes through holm oaks and pines to the “Scarpa d’Orlando” spring. A hiking trail also runs along the brick vault of the old conduit to the Renaissance Cisternone of the Acquedotto Mediceo.

Quieter nature observations are complemented by the Giardino dei Profumi in Asciano. The small botanical garden contains several particularly important flower species.

For the overarching travel overview: San Giuliano Terme.

More Destinations

More places in the same destination:

Ripafratta, Arena Metato, Molina Di Quosa-Rigoli, Madonna Dell'acqua, Gello.