Marti: Etruscan Traces and Medieval History

Marti can be explored through three layers of history: an Etruscan prehistory, an early medieval settlement and the medieval castle. The settlement arose in the Early Middle Ages on an existing Etruscan settlement site. Around the year 1000, one of the most important castles of the Pisan Upezzighi family was built in Marti. In 1435, Florence ordered the castle to be dismantled and destroyed. This sequence gives an exploration of the place a clear focus: archaeological remains, architectural forms and finds can be linked to specific periods.

Bastione: the castle site in the landscape

The Bastione archaeological area lies on the summit where Marti’s medieval castle stood. Along the educational trail, you will encounter exposed sections of the fortification walls, remains of ancient buildings and a rare medieval brick kiln. Fortifications, traces of older buildings and evidence of brickmaking thus stand alongside one another as distinct aspects of the site.

The archaeological route begins at the Gina Etruscan tomb and follows the ancient road up the hillside to the fortress. Its course therefore links an Etruscan starting point, the old hillside road and the site of the medieval castle. From Bastione, the archaeological area offers panoramic views across the Valdarno. Those interested in history can take in both the tangible traces in the landscape and the broad view across the valley during their visit.

Church architecture and the medieval layout of the town

The Pieve di Santa Maria Novella, built in 1332, offers a different architectural highlight. Its exterior is entirely made of brick. Blind arcades decorate the main façade and the outer sides; the façade also features ceramic bowls from the 13th century, made in Pisa and Hispania. Blind arcades are decorative arch forms in masonry, not open passageways. Their effect comes from the pattern on the wall surface. The ceramic bowls bring together architecture and different manufacturing traditions.

It is also worth looking at the layout of the historic centre: Marti preserves a well-preserved medieval town plan. While the Pieve invites visitors to examine individual details of its façade, here the focus is on the structure of the town centre. These two perspectives complement one another without reducing the history of the buildings to a single structure.

Finds at the Antiquarium di Marti

The Antiquarium di Marti collects and preserves finds from Marti Castle and the surrounding area, displaying them in temporary exhibitions. The collection includes Etruscan, medieval and modern finds. These include ceramics from the lower Valdarno dating from the 11th to the 16th century, as well as bricks from a late medieval kiln excavated at the foot of Bastione.

The collection thus complements the traces you can see along the archaeological route: walls and building remains are the focus there, while the Antiquarium presents movable finds and their different periods. The items displayed in each temporary exhibition may change. It is therefore advisable to check access arrangements in advance before visiting the Antiquarium.

The village festival in September

Marti’s historic village festival is held every year on the third Saturday and Sunday in September. The programme includes a craft market in the village lanes and the traditional game of tiro del panforte. The market and the game offer two different ways to enjoy the festival: you can discover crafts in the lanes or explore the local gaming tradition. Individual activities may vary. If you want to plan your trip specifically around the festival, check the exact dates and programme in advance.

Marti therefore offers several concrete ways to explore its history: the route between the tomb and the castle site, the architecture of the Pieve, the medieval layout of the town centre and the Antiquarium’s finds. The village festival adds an annual September event to these historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Montelopio, Montecchio, Legoli, Ghizzano, Fabbrica.

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