Calci: Certosa, Nature and Olive Oil Tradition

Calci combines the landscape of the Monti Pisani with an unusually rich succession of monastery, church, museum and olive oil themes. This creates a destination where peaceful trails, historic spaces and seasonal events can be enjoyed together. Getting there is also straightforward: from Pisa, you can reach Calci by buses no. 120 and 161 in around 30 minutes; they depart from the central Sesta Porta bus station.

Landscape between the Valley and the Monti Pisani

The Valgraziosa near Calci forms a natural amphitheatre called Valle Graziosa. The landscape is characterised by olive trees, Mediterranean scrub, pine trees and chestnut trees. Numerous trails lead from the valley of Calci up to the Monti Pisani. If you are travelling with different age groups, some of these trails are also suitable for peaceful family walks. From higher points near Calci, on clear days you can look across Pisa as far as the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. For a more active option, the L'anello del Monte Pisano cycle route passes through Calci. This makes it possible to experience the area not only through individual sights, but also through the transition between the valley, wooded slopes and higher viewpoints.

Certosa, Pieve and Natural History

The Certosa di Calci showcases aspects of eremitic and cenobitic life. These include the large cloister, a cell, the church, chapels, the refectory and the chapter house. The Chiostro del Capitolo is the oldest of the three cloisters of the Certosa di Calci. In the Pieve di Calci, three naves separated by granite columns structure the church interior. Another cultural highlight is the palaeontological collection of the Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Pisa. It comprises around 200,000 specimens collected over more than 400 years. Guided tours of the museum introduce visitors to the various departments covering the history of humans, the Earth and animals. The cultural spectrum therefore extends from sacred architecture and monastic history to scientific collections.

Events and Olive Oil from Calci

The local calendar brings together several different occasions. The Gioco del Mulino is a historic game between the eight Rioni of Calci and takes place on the second Sunday in May. The historic Fiera di Sant’Ermolao is held during the first week of August and includes craft markets, concerts, art exhibitions, amusement rides and a traditional tombola. The Festa dell'Olio takes place in November and includes a tasting of olive oil from Calci. Also held in November is the Mercatino di Natale around the Romanesque Pieve in the town centre. Local craftspeople, artists, olive growers and traders offer regional products and small handmade gifts there. Calci is also part of the Monti Pisani Olive Oil Trail. It includes five municipalities: Calci, Buti, San Giuliano Terme, Vecchiano and Vicopisano. The “Oil Experience” combines a visit to the estate with a short walk through the olive grove between the estate buildings and the internal car park, as well as an oil tasting on a panoramic terrace. If you would like to extend your trip beyond Calci, you can also include Montemagno in your further selection.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pisa.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Calci: Accommodation and Things to See - Travelling and Staying in Tuscany (Italy).

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Luciana, Uliveto Terme, Chianni, Garetto Basso, Montopoli In Val D'arno, Lari.