Characteristic house complex with pool in Montopoli in Val d'Arno Pisa - Tuscany

Boccaccio defined Montopoli, with its mighty fortifications, as a "castello insigne" (important castle). After Pisa and Florence had fought over the town for a long time, it did not even come to rest after the famous Battle of San Romano in 1432. Paolo Uccello captured it in three paintings, which are now in the Uffizi, the Louvre and the National Gallery in London.
The rural area around Montopoli was hit hard by the plague, but thanks to the Lorena family, the small town flourished again and for four centuries attracted important families who built their summer residences here to enjoy the tranquillity of the abundant mineral water spring.
Once you reach the village, you can admire the castle's defensive structures, such as the arch and tower of Castruccio or the Torre di San Matteo, a tower built in the 15th century by the Republic of Florence, from which you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view that extends as far as the sea on fine days.
Other beautiful historical buildings include the Oratory of San Sebastiano, which was built in the 16th century in the hope of saving the population from the plague, as well as the Church of the Madonna del Soccorso: it is said that a widower who lost his wife during the plague epidemic heard the voice of the Virgin Mary here, which gave him comfort, and wanted to build a pilgrimage church in her honor in the countryside. The Conservatorio di Santa Marta, where valuable paintings are kept, is also beautiful.

In the surrounding area
If you go to the San Romano district, you should visit the Santuario della Madonna, which has a remarkable cloister. The famous San Romano nativity scene has been set up in this church since the beginning of the 20th century, attracting numerous visitors.
In the Terre di Pisa area, don't miss the visits to Castelfranco di Sotto and San Miniato, a medieval jewel that is recognizable thanks to its Rocca, a fortress on the top of the hill.