Lari
area operatoriLari
Lari lies in a territory that enjoys a primarily agriculture activity, with wine and fruit production representing a significant portion of the economy. The Touring Club has awarded Lari with the Bandiera Arancione for its quality of life and tourist services.
The hamlet, surrounded by a walled belt with three entrance doors, is distinguished by the huge building of the Castello dei Vicari, which is a medieval construction although the current structure dates back to the 17th century. Thanks to its dominating position the castle was an important military garrison of the Pisan Republic until it was overtaken by Florence in 1406. The castle then became the residence of the Vicars, governors and members of the Florentine families who transformed it into a dwelling to be used by the rulers of Tuscany, from the Medicis to the Lorenas.
While the castle was also once used as a prison and a courthouse, it was opened once again to the public in 1991 and today civil marriage ceremonies are conducted there. The Filippo Baldinucci Museum is located in this building, displaying Etruscan and Roman artefacts, Della Robbia glazed ceramics and Renaissance frescoes. The prisons, the undergrounds and the Torture room are open to visits and, according to legend, are haunted by the ghost of Rosso della Paola who was imprisoned here for his political ways.
A network of paths in the surrounding area unveils interesting glimpses of the countryside and the area, such as Usigliano, which boasts a Museum of Agricultural Activity, or Casciana Alta, with the Romanesque church of San Nicola in Sessana and the Oratory of the Madonna della Cava.
Lari is famous for its cherries, which are celebrated by a traditional sagra at the end of May. There are 19 varieties of Lari cherries of differing and intense flavours. Local producers sell baskets of cherries, preserves and liqueurs made from red berries in the town square.
While a mainly agricultural activity with olive groves, vineyards and fruit orchards occupies the hilly zone, the Perignano plain is a nationally renowned Furnishings City of furniture makers and showrooms with over 100,000 m² of display space.
