San Marcello Pistoiese
Our voyage of discovery through the historical locations in Pistoia's mountain area begins in San Marcello Pistoiese, which has been one of the best-known and best-loved centres for summer tourism since the 19" century. The town is situated on a sunny hill covered with green woodlands, rolling gently down to the Limestre river valley. The original nucleus, which may be of Roman origin, has many signs of past centuries: from the 14s' century onwards the Captaincy of the mountains was continually contended with Cutigliano. The Romanesque church of San Marcello, which was altered in the 17'" and 78'" centuries, contains the remains of St. Celestina, patron of the town and protector of the mountain and whose feast day on 8'" September is celebrated in the town every year, culminating in the launching of a coloured paper hot-air balloon based on the original design by the Montgolfier brothers. There are many possible excursions from San Marcello, following the ancient roads and numerous paths leading into the enchanting countryside bathed in the aromas, flavours, and sounds of nature. As well as itineraries through the ancient forest of Teso, there are other unusual destinations such as the narrow hanging bridge of Mammiano, a long walkway linking the two banks of the Lima river built in 1922 for the workers of the Metallurgical Company of Mammiano, and the Observatory where on a clear night visitors can scan the starry skies. Other attractive villages are within easy reach of San Marcello: Maresca, for example, is a small but popular health resort where the International Folklore Festival and Extrad'arte (a theatre and music festival with street artists) are held every July. Lizzano is an ancient village which was once of the most important centres between the 70'" and 14'" centuries. Today the village is known for its murales decorating the buildings, which were painted between 1985 and 1990 by the artists of the Gruppo Donate/to, and narrate mountain life in a language of bright colours.