Quarrata – Villa La Magia, Nature and Tuscan Culture

Quarrata between Villa La Magia, woodland and Montalbano

Villa La Magia is particularly distinctive. It forms part of the serial UNESCO World Heritage Site Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany. The villa therefore represents one aspect of Tuscany’s heritage, revealed through historic villas and their landscapes. The protected Bosco de La Magia nature area complements this cultural focus with an independent nature-oriented perspective.

The protected Bosco de La Magia nature area is home to a diverse range of wildlife. This includes breeding and migratory birds, bats, amphibians and reptiles. In this way, different facets of culture and nature become visible as distinct themes.

Paths through the woodland and views over Quarrata

The Via Medicea – Anello della Magia circular route passes through the woodland of Villa La Magia and reaches the foothills of Montalbano. The route can be divided into two sections: it first passes through the villa’s woodland, then continues as far as the foothills of Montalbano. The circular route also offers panoramic views of Quarrata and the gentle hills where Villa La Magia stands.

Another historic connection with the landscape is the Romea Strata. The Tuscan section of this route passes through the Montalbano area. This should be distinguished from a short section that runs along the mountain slopes northwest of the municipality of Quarrata and heads towards Vinci. The information therefore refers to two different geographical routes: the Montalbano area and the mountain slopes northwest of the municipality of Quarrata towards Vinci.

Crafts, art and rural history

The collection of the Museo del Filet di Villa La Magia includes magazines and registers, as well as clothing, hats and gloves made of filet lace. It also contains tools and other work-related objects.

The Museo Diocesano di Ferruccia preserves paintings, sculptures and sacred furnishings. This collection forms part of the region’s historical and artistic heritage and complements the more craft-oriented perspective of the Museo del Filet. The Casa di Zela also offers insight into another historical period: its oldest core was probably a tower house built for defensive purposes. In the 16th century, with the spread of sharecropping, it developed into housing for workers.

The Chiesa di Santo Stefano a Campiglio is probably of Romanesque origin and is considered an example of rural religious architecture. Together with the Casa di Zela and the two museums, it creates a multifaceted picture ranging from sacred art and textile work to the development of historic buildings.

Olive oil, wine and chocolate

Food production is also part of Quarrata’s character. The municipality is home to producers whose range extends from olive oil and wine to chocolate. For more destinations in the surrounding area, you can also discover Buriano.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Serravalle Pistoiese, Lamporecchio, Lizzanello, Buggiano, Castagno, Panicagliora.

To the overview of the higher-level destination: Pistoia.