Casanova

Casanova combines a remarkable local history with specific routes through the countryside. During your stay, you have two different options: you can explore the church of San Bartolomeo and the traces of the former fortification, or reach Casanova on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback via named routes. This makes the village appealing both to those interested in culture and to travellers who want to spend their days actively exploring the Tuscan countryside.

San Bartolomeo and the history of Casanova

The church of San Bartolomeo stands on the site of the old, demolished fortress. The present-day place of worship is therefore directly connected with the historical development of the village. Casanova was a former feudal castle that rose up against Pisa in 1164 together with other castles in the Valdera area. It was therefore razed by the Pisans. The history is thus not merely a chronological background, but is also connected with the site where the church was built.

Inside the church are three painted terracotta statues. They depict the Madonna and Child between John and Bartholomew. The figures are attributed to Giovanni Gonnelli, who was also known as “the Blind Man of Gambassi”, and date from the mid-17th century. San Bartolomeo therefore offers a clearly identifiable ensemble of artworks for your visit: the number of statues, the subject depicted, the attribution and the date of origin are each documented, making the church interior a specific cultural point of reference in Casanova.

Routes with different starting points

The Morrona–Casanova circular route is an easy 2 km trail. It can be used by mountain bike, on foot or on horseback. The route is therefore not limited to a single means of transport and can be viewed as a manageable connection between the two places mentioned. If, when exploring, you prefer to follow a clearly designated sequence of places, Sentiero No. 453 offers another option: it leads from Stibbiolo via Lago di Cuccheri to Casanova.

Sentiero No. 454 describes another way of reaching the Borgo di Casanova. After an approximately 200 m-long section along the provincial road, the trail reaches the Borgo. This information forms part of the specific route description and distinguishes this route from the Morrona–Casanova circular route and Sentiero No. 453. For your orientation, not only the destinations but also the respective course of the named trails therefore remain clear.

Connection with the landscape

The landscape around Casanova also includes the Podere La Chiesa winery, which overlooks the valley of Casanova. The winery’s view of the valley adds a landscape perspective to the cultural and historical connections. Together with the trails, this creates a picture of the village in which the church, former castle, valley and named routes stand side by side, without reducing Casanova to just one individual destination.

If you would like to extend your research to other places, you can also explore Soiana (Soiana).

For the wider travel overview: Terricciola.