Poggio: Resistance history and nearby trails

Poggio, near Maresca, is a small hamlet where a specific history of resistance is linked to a distinctive memorial site. The surrounding area also offers museums, trails, and a former railway line. The following places and routes provide concrete points of reference for these interests.

Resistance history in Poggio

During the Second World War, Poggio was a meeting place for the local population and resistance fighters. Residents supplied the fighters in the area with food, clothing, and medicine. The “Cippo ai partigiani e alla popolazione” monument stands near Poggio’s green space; a large rainbow-colored bench is located close to the monument. In this way, the history of civilian support and a named memorial site are linked with another striking feature nearby.

Museums and regional history

Near Poggio, in Campo Tizzoro, you’ll find the “Museo e rifugi S.M.I.”. An example of industrial archaeology, it includes an underground shelter protected against air raids that extends for more than two kilometers. Palazzo Achilli serves as the Ecomuseum’s main information center and hosts temporary exhibitions and educational workshops for adults and children. The Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese offers six itineraries exploring local history, traditions, and human labor. Another historical theme is presented by the Ferrucciano Museum of Gavinana, which commemorates the Battle of Gavinana in 1530. These offer different perspectives side by side: industrial archaeology in Campo Tizzoro, the Ecomuseum’s themes, and the commemoration of the battle in Gavinana.

Trails and landscape

The terrain around the area can also be described in terms of specific place names. The ridge of Poggio dei Malandrini divides the land that slopes west toward the valley of the Torrente Verdiana from the land that slopes east toward the valley of the Torrente Orsigna. The route of the Ferrovia Alto Pistoiese (F.A.P.), a former railway line, is used by hikers and cyclists.

A tour description dated August 17, 2024, mentions a hike from Foresta del Teso to the summit of Poggio dei Malandrini. The “San Marcello Pistoiese and the enchanted Forest” route leads to Maresca and then climbs toward Casetta Pulledrari. The options described therefore have different points of reference: both hikers and cyclists use the F.A.P. route, while the tour description specifically mentions a hike to the summit. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Rifugio del Montanaro

Near Poggio, the Rifugio del Montanaro has twelve sleeping places in two rooms. A large wooden panoramic terrace was built there in summer 2006, giving hikers a place to rest outdoors. There is also a bivouac with a fireplace, which offers shelter during storms. If you’re planning an overnight stay or a visit to the rifugio, check in advance that it is currently operating, as well as the condition of the terrace and access to the bivouac.

Discover more destinations: Lizzano.

Go to the main travel overview: San Marcello Pistoiese.