Montecatini Alto by bike

The small village of Montecatini Alto is located 300 metres above sea level and has medieval origins. It still retains the layout of the historic walls destroyed in 1554 by the Florentines under Cosimo I de’ Medici, who were attempting to conquer the area. In the upper part, you can find the Rocca and the Torre del Mastio. In the centre of Piazzetta Giusti, you can find the medieval ruins of the Palazzo del Podestà with
the picturesque and colourful Loggia del Parlascio, originally the site of public assemblies and the market.

Travelling up a steep road, you will reach the Church of San Pietro, with evidence dating it back to as early as 776 AD. It was damaged during the Florentine siege, and remodelled in the eighteenth century. On the opposite side of the town stands the Torre del Carmine or dell’Orologio (12th – 13th Century) which has recently been restored. It's one of the six towers that still remaining of the twentyfive that existed in medieval times, before the destruction of the village by the Florentine troops of  Grand Duke Cosimo de’ Medici, which took place following the siege of 1554.

This structure carried out an exclusively military function, and was situated in a dominant position overlooking the plain. Documents
dating back to 1552 reveal that there was a clock built into the north side of the tower, so as to be visible to the whole town, that is still in place today. Later on, it was decided that the bell would be replaced with another type known as “alla romana”, which is “the ancient Italian 6-hour clock system”. Also worth mentioning is the Convent of the Benedictine Sisters.

Montecatini Alto has a delightful little square where numerous restaurants and wine bars welcome lovers of this beautiful part of Tuscany, with its stones, sun, quiet hills and great food and drink.

Credits:Visit Tuscany