Padule di Fucecchio, nature as you don’t expect
Padule di Fucecchio natural reserve is a marshy area that extends for about 1,800 hectares between the provinces of Pistoia and Florence. Although much smaller than in the past, this area still remains the largest inland swamp in Italy. Already in the Middle Ages there are news of drainage and reclamation works. The Medici family also made changes over the years.
Today the éadule di Fucecchio represents a place in which to immerse yourself in order to fully enjoy all its features. The marsh is in fact a pleasant place for those who love nature and local fauna.
Immersed in unique colors and smells as well as wonderful natural postcards, you can spot many species of birds in the marshes and make excursions in its countless waterways through the famous little boats still used today and characteristic elements of the place.
In addition to various abandoned farmhouses, you can admire old tobacconists and many tombstones commemorating the massacre of the Fucecchio marshes which took place during the Second World War at the hands of the Germans on 23 August 1944. 174 civilians were killed here. From Prato Grande you can reach the Hospitale Dogana del Capannone, a building that served as a customs house between Florence and Lucca where there is a museum documenting the slaughter of the Padule and a hospice that welcomes pilgrims along the Via Francigena. From here I go to the Casin del Lillo, a charming little port from which you can leave for a visit to the Padule on the characteristic little boats already mentioned.
On foot or by bicycle, a day in the marshes is a unique experience that you cannot give up. Open-air activities for the whole family to walk, breathe, play sports, immerse yourself in wild nature and then let yourself be pampered by the many surrounding trattorias that offer good food and local delicacies. For the more daring, how not to try the frogs, a real specialty!
During the Open Week 2022 some Excursions will be organized, here we list those that are part of the program:
APRIL 18 – 9.00 am
ALLA SCOPERTA DEL CASOTTO DEL SORDODISCOVERING THE CASIN DEL LILLO
ASD RIDE IN PADULE AND MUNICIPALITY OF PONTE BUGGIANESE
For info and reservations contact the Pedala in Padule Association at no. 345-099857
APRIL 5 – 9.00 am
ALLA SCOPERTA DEL CASOTTO DEL SORDODISCOVERING THE CASOTTO DEL SORDO
For info and reservations contact the Pedala in Padule Association at no. 345-099857
APRIL 16 – 3.00 pm
ALLA SCOPERTA DEL CASOTTO DEL SORDOGET TO KNOW THE PADULE DI FUCECCHIO AND THE ENVIRONMENT THAT SURROUNDS US
For info: Massimiliano Petrolo at 340-3460859
23 APRIL – 3.00 pm
ALLA SCOPERTA DEL CASOTTO DEL SORDOGET TO KNOW THE PADULE DI FUCECCHIO AND THE HISTORICAL EVENTS THAT HAVE CHARACTERIZED IT
For info: Massimiliano Petrolo at 340-3460859
