Pieve Vecchia: Traces of the Pieve di Scotriano

The present-day place name Pieve Vecchia refers to the former Pieve di Scotriano. Its history brings together ecclesiastical traces, changing place names, and later architectural use; the Torrente Vallinucci and nearby Poggio Pinzuti hill also provide specific points of reference for the landscape. If you are planning a stay, Pieve Vecchia can be understood above all through this connection between local history and its surroundings.

Church History and Place Names

The Pieve di Scotriano was abolished in 1575; its assets were transferred to the seminary of the Primaziale of Pisa. The historic territory of the Pieve di S. Giovanni Battista e S. Maria in Scotriano included eight subsidiary churches. A historical account describes the Pieve as already in ruins in the 15th century and the area at that time as rural.

Historically, Pieve Vecchia was also known as Pievaccia di Colle Pinzato and Pincioli. At the former site of the Pieve Vecchia di Scotriano, Antonio Chiocchini of Livorno built a villa with an attached oratory toward the end of the 18th century. The ancient Pieve is incorporated into a private villa; check in advance whether a visit is possible. The Pieve di S. Giovanni a Scutriano was rebuilt by Antonio Chiocchini in 1767.

Landscape, Location, and Orientation

The remains of the former Pieve di Scotriano lie at the foot of Colle Pinzuti and to the right of the road from Gragnoli to Orciano, near Via Emilia, also known as Maremmana. The Torrente Vallinucci rises at the northern edge of the municipal area, in the hamlet of Pieve Vecchia. These two points of reference are quite distinct: one concerns the location of historic remains, the other the source of a stream.

Nearby is Poggio Pinzuti, a gentle hill encircled by cypress trees. A route description published in 2015 mentions a short detour with panoramic views. Check the description before making specific plans.

Cultural and Culinary Connections in the Region

A natural history find from the hills of Orciano Pisano (PI) is on display at the Museo di Geologia e Paleontologia: the ten-meter-long fossilized skeleton of a baleen whale. The whale lived three million years ago; the fossil was found and excavated in 2007. This brings together a very long geological timescale and a precisely dated discovery.

Chianti DOCG and Bianco Pisano di San Torpè DOC are among the wines produced in Orciano Pisano. The Pisan Hills Wine Trail follows the roads around Orciano Pisano and connects businesses as well as local food and wine producers. These are specific points of interest for travelers who want to include regional food and wine in their plans for Tuscany.

Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

Casa la Pieve Vecchia, Rubino apartment is offered as a recently renovated country house. It was formerly part of the private La Pieve Vecchia agricultural estate. The entire accommodation is offered with one bedroom and four sleeping places.

If you are traveling with several people, check whether the listing of four sleeping places in a one-bedroom accommodation suits your preferred sleeping arrangements. Before booking, you should also check current availability and the terms.

For the broader travel overview: Orciano Pisano.