Vecchiano: Serchio, Coast and Historic Churches
Vecchiano combines river landscapes, coast, nature and history into a diverse destination. The settlement stretches along the right bank of the Serchio towards its mouth, while the surrounding area brings together gentle hills, waterways and the sea. Those choosing Vecchiano as a holiday-apartment destination can therefore tailor their stay to different interests: among historic buildings, protected landscapes and culinary discoveries.
History in Nodica and at the Castle Rock
A particularly far-reaching glimpse into the area’s history leads to Nodica. The first documented mention of Nodica dates back to 1047. The oldest surviving mention of the Chiesa dei Santi Simone e Giuda in Nodica appears in the 1296 tithe register. Its medieval bell tower was built in 1319. The present building was reconstructed over a medieval church after severe earthquake damage in the 19th century. Inside, the Chiesa dei Santi Simone e Giuda has a single-nave interior with a semicircular apse.
The Pieve di Sant’Alessandro also bears witness to the area’s long past: it is a Romanesque church dating from 1104. Just outside Vecchiano, Santa Maria in Castello stands on an elevated site overlooking the plain below. The church was formerly part of the castle of Vecchiano, whose documented origins date back to 1120. Santa Maria in Castello is an originally fortified complex on a rocky outcrop above Vecchiano. The church was built in 1120 from an earlier small chapel and the castle tower; remnants of frescoes from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries are visible on its left wall.
River, Dunes and Protected Nature
A significant part of the Parco di Migliarino, San Rossore e Massaciuccoli lies within the area of Vecchiano. The Vecchiano coast is protected on the landward side by the Macchia di Migliarino and features a protected dune ecosystem. The Penisola dei Gabbiani lies next to the mouth of the Serchio. Its shape changes as a result of the river current as well as storms and storm surges. These landscape features give a stay a distinctly natural character and also make Vecchiano interesting for travellers who want to move between water, coast and wooded areas or spaces shaped by dunes.
The Olive Oil Route and Regional Discoveries
The Strada dell’Olio dei Monti Pisani passes through Vecchiano, one of five municipalities along this route. The route can be explored from Vecchiano and combines artistic and natural attractions with tastings of extra virgin olive oil and other typical local products. The Olive Oil Route thus complements the historical and landscape impressions with a culinary dimension. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Vecchiano, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus more on churches and history, nature along the Serchio and the coast, or regional products.
For further orientation, you can also include Filettole, Avane and Migliarino in your travel plans.
For the higher-level travel overview: Pisa.
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