Sillico: Towers, Art and Paths through Chestnut Forests

Sillico combines the foothills of the Apennines with a historic townscape and views over the Pieve plain. Those who want to discover not only art cities in Tuscany, but also established village structures, landscapes and regional traditions will find several different points of interest here: medieval fortifications, an old parish church, exhibitions in Palazzo Carli and paths through chestnut forests and terraced vineyards.

Towers, Church and Historic Buildings

In the northern part of Sillico, the remains of the fortification wall are well preserved. They include a 15th-century lookout tower. The square Torre castellana del Sillico, dating from the 12th to 13th century, also stands within the fortress. On the hill there is another medieval tower with a square floor plan, which is now preserved as a ruin. Together with the old buildings and the significant Renaissance palaces, these structures shape the historic appearance of the town. The parish church of San Lorenzo Martire is located in the center. It is first mentioned in a papal bull from 1168. Its furnishings include an organ with a characteristic 8-foot Principal stop. This stop is considered typical of the organs built by the Turrini brothers from Pieve Fosciana. The church therefore offers not only a historical connection, but also a specific detail related to the region's organ-building tradition.

Art in Palazzo Carli and Living Traditions

Palazzo Carli combines different periods and uses. Since 2009, exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography have been held in four rooms on the top floor. Local artists as well as artists known throughout the country are represented. The lower floor contains a large kitchen with a stone fireplace and a bedroom with frescoes from the early 19th century. The town's traditions also have a firmly established place. “I banditi del Sillico all'ora di cena” has been held annually for many years. The event is a historical and gastronomic reenactment: it stages Renaissance customs with music, performances and contemporary cuisine from that period. Every year, the Filarmonica G. Verdi holds a concert in Sillico for the San Lorenzo festival.

Paths through Forests, Vineyards and Historic Chestnut Use

For a shorter walk, a 1.7-kilometer path around Sillico leads through chestnut forests and terraced vineyards to a station associated with the religious Rogazioni rite. Another 5-kilometer circular route begins at the Sillico car park. It runs through chestnut forests with metati; some of these traditional buildings are still regularly used to dry chestnuts. The Sentiero dei Mulini near Sillico is designated as a route with a walking time of four hours, as well as 475 meters of ascent and 475 meters of descent. For further orientation within the same broader destination, you can also view Pontecosi.

For the overview of the broader travel destination: Pieve Fosciana.