area operatoriColtano Estate
Since the XVI century, the territory of Coltano, that comprises a marsh area with a silt embankment produced by the sandy waters of the Arno, has by now been chiefly reclaimed and set for cultivation.
Rare plants, such as the white waterlily (Nymphaea alba) and a type of marsh fennel (Oenanthe fistulosa) still find refuge in the drainage channels and in some artificial basins, from the threat of pollution and the intense presence of mankind.
In the Spring or Summer the slow or still waters of many canals are covered in green carpets of duckweed (Lemna minor).
The only wooded bands of the Tenuta are provided by the dune bars that once emerged from the marshes providing an incalculable refuge and resource for the fauna: precious strips of mixed woods of native pine, holm oak and bay, where birds of prey and water birds can be observed.
Villa Medicea is hidden deep in the estate, in the centre of a vast plain framed by high trees. The rectangular building has square towers on each corner and a two storey facade with a central round-arched door. Like the door, the windows are made of Pietra Serena, a grey sandstone (Golfolina stone), and arranged one above the other in staggered rows.
The Villa was commissioned in the XVI century by the Medici who chose the territory of Coltano, its reflective water, marsh areas, woods and pastures as their hunting and fishing residence.
Since 1998 Villa Medicea has become a Visitor Centre and a Centre of Environmental Education of Park Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli and is also an accommodation structure. The entire area of Coltano is essentially wonderfully suited to a great variety of educational themed trails and integrated visits.
Visitor Centre and Environmental Education Centre
56010 Coltano (Pisa)
tel. +39 (0)50 989084 / +39 (0)50 539111, fax +39 (0)50 989079
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