Terre di Toscana

Montopoli in Val d'Arno

The historic centre of Montopoli is on a hill of tuff stone in the lower Valdarno, 35 km away from Pisa and 50 from Florence.
Although it is not at a very high altitude, this town dominates the valley and looks out across the plane onto the outline of Monte Pisano.

HOW TO GET THERE
By train
Take the Firenze-Pisa line, get off at San Romano station.
By bus
Take the Empoli-Pontedera Lazzi line, get off at the San Romano stop.
By car
Take the SGC (dual carriageway) Firenze-Pisa-Livorno and get out at Montopoli.

Marti
The village of Marti developed, in a lesser degree, in the same way as the bigger town, occupying the ridge of a hill perpendicular to the valley of the Arno. The area of the medieval castle, destroyed by Florentines in 1435, is the object of archaeological excavations which have brought to light some Etruscan tombs. The research was extended to the whole village, resulting in more Etruscan finds which have inspired the idea of an archaeological park, in the process of being built.
The small well-preserved historic centre contains the Church of Santa Maria Novella, built in 1332. The façade has eight ceramic basins (end of 13th beginning of 14th century) made in Tuscany, Liguria and Spain. The interior is decorated with frescoes by Anton Domenico Bamberini (1719-22) and has kept a few interesting 16th and 17th century paintings.

San Romano
In San Romano you can find the Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna, a 16th century structure, seriously damaged by the Second World War bombing. It is also the home of an Antiquarium which contains ex-voto and religious objects. The feast of the Sanctuary is held on September 8th.
Informations
Santuario della Madonna di San Romano
tel 0571 459073
Opening hours Antiquarium:
Saturdays and Sundays 16-19

The Disfida con l’Arco
On the second Sunday of September the Disfida con l’arco is celebrated, during which two groups of archers compete, representing the two parts into which the village has been divided since 1412. The whole of Montopoli is enlivened by these figures in medieval costume, the flag wavers and dancers. This evokes the past as a collective reinactment. The following Sunday in September the feast moves to Marti, with Martinfiera.

Fiera degli Uccelli
The last Sunday in September there is the age-old Fiera degli Uccelli (Bird Fair), with demonstrations by imitators of birdsong, a market of farmyard animals and other attractions.
Informations
Comitato Fiera degli Uccelli - tel 0571 467255