Pistoia's Historic Mountain Villages - Pistoia's Historic Mountain Villages

Situated on the border between Tuscany and Emilia. Sambuca is a meeting point between two lands whose cultures and traditions live alongside each other in this part of the Pistoiese Mountain area. The high valleys of the Limentra and Limentrella streams used to be important areas, with their interwoven roadways like via Francesca delta Sambuca, which links central-western Tuscany to the Reno valley and the cities of the via Emilia and the Po Valley. In the Middle ages churches, monasteries and hostels were built along these ancient thoroughfares which are still recorded in historical documentation and of which some signs remain. Following the pathways of this side of our mountain leads to the discovery of an illustrious past and a uniquely beautiful landscape. The castle of Sambuca was built from the mid-11'" century as a watchtower and played a strategic role in the age-old contention between Bologna and Pistoia. to which it was only definitively annexed in 1775. The town is the same as it was two hundred years ago with the houses lined up above the terraced south-facing vegetable gardens, the little square leading to the church and above, the ruins of the old fortress. The huge, cut-off tower is a clear reminder of the castle's military role, while the ruins of the old walls have been incorporated into the priest's house and church of San Giacomo Maggiore (St. James), patron saint of Pistoia known here as San Jacopo. Walking through the village the visitor is immersed in a beautiful space full of almost-forgotten sounds like water running from a drinking fountain, the chatter of those walking or standing in the narrow streets and the wind blowing the branches of the trees in the surrounding forest. Another important stronghold in this part of the mountains was the castle of Torn, recorded as far back as 11^ century and traces of which are still visible today. This pretty little mountain village has typical narrow stone-paved streets, and on a natural rise stands the church of Santa Maria Assunta, of medieval origin, today with a 17th-IS"1 century aspect. In summer the town is enlivened by cultural and popular events and the residents are joined in their celebrations by visitors.