Montopoli in Val d'Arno
area operatoriMontopoli in Val d'Arno
Montopoli in Val d’Arno rests on the ridge of a hill tuff that overlooks the plain of the Arno to the south.
Defined by the Boccaccio as a "model castle" for its powerful fortifications, it was contested by both Pisa and Florence until the famous Battle of San Romano, immortalised by Paolo Uccello in the three paintings preserved today at the Uffizi, the Louvre and the National Gallery. The hamlet was developed in the centuries that followed and bears a wealth of churches and works of art: the Oratory of San Sebastiano, the Church of the Madonna del Soccorso, the Conservatory of Santa Marta.
The Arch and the Tower of Castruccio are remaining symbols of times gone by. The Guicciardini Civic Museum aims to recover the artistic and archaeological heritage of the territory and represents the centre of a museum network that will include the Tower of San Matteo, the Church of Santa Maria, the Document Centre at Marti and the Sanctuary Museum in San Romano.
Montopoli turns back the clock to the medieval age on the second Sunday of September each month when groups of flag-wavers and musicians parade the streets announcing the Archery Challenge that sees representatives from the two neighbourhoods compete with bow and arrow. In addition to the historical recollections Montopoli celebrates fine cuisine with the Gustopolis review (beginning of March) and good music with the Montopoli Jazz recital (July).
Villa Capponi Piaggio, a short distance from Montopoli, in Tenuta Varramista park, was built in the mid 16th century by the Florentine family Capponi and purchased by the industrialist Enrico Piaggio in 1953 due to its proximity to the Pontedera establishment. Antonella, Piaggio's adoptive daughter, and Umberto Agnelli celebrated their wedding in the villa in 1959.
Ceramics is an old, almost forgotten tradition. As early as the 16th century ceramics and tableware crafters were already in operation in the town; in the 19th century Montopoli accommodated the ceramics activity of Dante Milani, forming a generation of skilled craft workers expert in the production of Renaissance style furniture and chandeliers with terracotta tiles.
Today Montopoli bases its economy on industry with factories and workshops operating in the footwear, leather and hides sector. Although agriculture is less evident than in the past, the production of the Chianti delle Colline Pisane and San Torpè wines means that it still is a constant presence.
