OPEN FOR THE ENTIRE OPEN WEEK PERIOD
BOOKING RECOMMENDED
VISIT TO THE CASA DEI MUSEUM OF PEASANT LIFE – LOC. BAGNO- LO – LARCIANO – EXHIBITION OF ANCIENT TOOLS OF RURAL LIFE
Walk suitable for all.
Taking in the unspoilt natural beauty along the banks, on the edge of the Fucecchio marsh in flat terrain.
Discovering crafts, ancient tools and local traditions.
Meeting point: Via traversa di Brugnana n. 100 Larciano.
Expected duration: 2 hours.
Contribution of 3 Euros per person requested by the Casa Dei Cultural Association. For information and bookings: tel. (+39) 335-7789139 associazionecasadei@gmail.com
22 APRIL
9 A.M. – 13 NOON AND 3 P.M. – 11 P.M. THE VILLAGE OF LARCIANO CA- STELLO – VISIT TO THE CIVIC AR- CHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, CASTLE AND SPINELLI OIL MILL.
The Civic Museum, which houses archaeologi-
cal finds from both local and national sources dating from prehistoric to modern times, includes a significant educational section.
There are magnificent views to be enjoyed from the top of the tower, taking in one of the most beautiful valleys in Tuscany.
There is also the opportunity to visit the old Spinelli oil mill, dating back to 1781.
An encampment of siege machines from the Middle Ages will be set up in Piazza Castello with historical and educational activities.
Estimated duration of the visit: about 2 hours. Free visit to the castle and museum (Piazza Ca- stello) funded by the Municipality of Larciano. Visit to the old Spinelli oil mill (Via Spinelli) with oil tasting (2 Euros per person).
Medieval encampment, organised by the Larciano Pro Loco tourist association, free of charge.
For info: museum (+39) 0573-858151/2; oil mill (+39) 329-8182642;
for the medieval camp (+39) 337-797850.
The Archaeological Museum opening times:
– every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
– every Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 4
p.m. to 7 p.m.
Closed Sunday 30 April due to concurrence with another event (38th Rally Montecatini-Valdinievole).
The Spinelli oil mill is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
28 APRIL
6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.
THE MARSH BY NIGHT
Organised by the Municipality of Larciano – Centre for Research, Documentation and Promotion of the Fucecchio Marsh.
Sunset (and beyond) in the Nature Reserve, Le Morette area, listening to nocturnal birds of prey in the woods. A particularly thrilling excursion, also suitable for families with chil- dren, which allows you to appreciate unusual moments and aspects of the marsh.
The initial part is dedicated to birdwatching: you will be able to observe and learn to recognise herons, ducks, marsh harriers and many other species that frequent the marsh environment.
The excursion continues after the sun goes down, when the fading light conditions are compensated for by the multitude of sounds emitted by the many creatures of the marsh. Difficulty: none, flat route of approximately 3 km in both directions.
Equipment: hiking boots and long trousers, binoculars and a small torch, a sandwich.
Estimated duration of the visit: 3 hours
Free visit funded by the Municipality of Larciano.
For information and mandatory booking at the Padule di Fucecchio Research Centre, tel (+39) 0573-84540 or fucecchio@zoneumidetoscane.it
30 APRIL
FROM 9 A.M. – 12 NOON MONSUMMANO HILL: BOTANICAL ITINERARY TO DISCOVER THE BLO- OMS OF WILD ORCHIDS AND ME- DITERRANEAN MAQUIS PLANTS.
Organised by the Centre for Research, Documentation and Promotion of the Fucecchio Marsh.
Within the Montalbano area, the Colle di Monsummano hill constitutes a site of significant interest due to its geology, fauna, flora and ve- getation; the luxuriant Mediterranean scrub is dominated by evergreen shrubs, which in springtime include white blossoms of cistus, field anemone and many species of wild orchids.
From a naturalistic point of view, a visit to Colle di Monsummano also offers good opportuni-
ties for birdwatchers; there is no shortage of opportunities to encounter the birdlife of the maquis and rocky environments, such as the blue rock thrush (so dear to Leopardi), but also the peregrine falcon, the common raven and other species.
Duration: 3 hours including transfers.
Admission fee 6 Euros (4 Euros up to 18 years). For information and mandatory booking at the Fucecchio Marsh Research Centre, tel (+39) 0573-84540
or fucecchio@zoneumidetoscane.it
29 APRIL
FROM 3:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
MEETING WITH SIMONE FRASCA, CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR.
Organised by the Municipality di Larciano
– Centre for Research, Documentation and Promotion of the Fucecchio Marsh and Intrecci Onlus association.
A writer and illustrator of children’s books, Simone Frasca has been published by all major Italian publishing companies.
During the event, he will engage the audien- ce by drawing the stories of his most famous character, “Bruno lo zozzo”: a scruffy scamp of a little boy who loves climbing trees, rolling in the grass and jumping in muddy puddles. The author will then continue with fantastic crea- tures, playing with children to invent new ones partly inspired by the animals of the marsh.
The meeting, aimed at children and families, will be held at the Visitor Centre of the Fucec- chio Marshes Nature Reserve in Castelmartini. Following this (at 5.30 p.m.), the Intrecci onlus association, which promotes and keeps alive ancient crafts that employ typical marsh grasses of the Fucecchio Marshes, will organise a weaving workshop, with an exhibition of ar- tefacts made by the association that highlight natural resources and different craft skills.
Duration: 3 hours.
Free event funded by the Municipali- ty of Larciano.
For information and mandatory bo- oking at the Fucecchio Marsh Research Centre, tel. (+39) 0573-84540
or fucecchio@zoneumidetoscane.it
23 APRIL
FROM 3 P.M. TO 6 P.M.
THE HAMLET OF CECINA.
Nature Walk on CAI Path 826 from Larciano Castello to Cecina 3 p.m.
A visit to the Church of Saint Nicholas and the hamlet (Cecina – Larciano) can be enjoyed from
4.30 p.m. even without taking part in the walk. Entertainment by ‘Robertino’.
Duration: approximately 3 hours, of which 1 hour 30 minute walk.
Nature walk along path 826 approx. 3.5 km, free of charge, with the collaboration of the C.A.I. Section Pistoia.
For info tel. (+39) 0573-838546.
10-25 APRIL
9 A.M. – 12 NOON AND 2.30 P.M. – 5.30 P.M.
1 MAY
9 A.M. – 12 NOON AND 3 P.M. – 6 P.M. PADULE DI FUCECCHIO: DISCOVE- RING THE PROTECTED AREA.
Organised by the Centre for Research, Documentation and Promotion of the Fucecchio Marsh.
Opening of the Fucecchio Marshes Nature Reserve Visitor Centre and Le Morette birdwatching observatory, by the staff and collaborators of the Fucecchio Marshes RDP Centre.
The Castelmartini Visitor Centre houses a permanent exhibition on the wetland area and temporary exhibitions of photography and nature drawings.
From the centre, an easy and enchanting route through fields and lowland woodlands leads to the nature reserve’s wildlife observatory where, with the assistance of expert staff, you can ob- serve dozens of different species of water birds.
Estimated duration of visit: during opening hours, duration of visits at visitor’s discretion.
Free visits to be made independently.
No booking required.
For info Fucecchio Marsh RDP Centre, tel. (+39) 0573-84540
or fucecchio@zoneumidetoscane.it
16 APRIL
9 A.M. – 12 P.M. AND 3 P.M. – 6 P.M. FUCECCHIO MARSHES NATURE RESERVE, RIGHETTI AREA: VISI- TING THE OTHER HALF OF THE PROTECTED AREA WITH GUIDES FROM THE CENTRE.
Organised by the Centre for Research, Documentation and Promotion of the Fucecchio Marsh.
Guided tour of the Righetti Area, the northernmost part of the Padule di Fucecchio Nature Reserve, which preserves elements of great landscape and natural interest; the area can only be visited with expert guides, the aim being to minimise any disturbance to the protected flora and fauna.
Also in this part of the Nature Reserve, major maintenance and environmental restoration work has been carried out over the years, and ponds have been created, including two wildlife observatories, or hides. The area is home to a wide variety of water birds.
The Righetti Area also boasts two small breeding colonies of herons and cormorants:
the hides allow you to observe the nests from a distance.
Difficulty: none.
Equipment: hiking boots, binoculars and drinking water.
Visit of about 3 hours, including transfers.
Admission fee 6 Euros (4 Euros up to 18 years).
For info and mandatory booking, Fucecchio Marsh RDP Centre:
tel. (+39) 0573-84540
fucecchio@zoneumidetoscane.it