Guide to Ponsacco

"Nestled between Pisa and Florence, colourful Ponsacco makes a perfect base for experiencing two great cities whilst tasting the delights of peaceful northern Tuscany."

How does this sound? You're in a charming town in northern Tuscany, a heartbeat from the beaten tourist track. You're surrounded by gorgeous historic monuments beyond which lie landscapes peppered with spa towns, rich forests and picture-book hill villages. And you're between two of Tuscany's biggest crowd-pullers, Florence and Pisa. Welcome to Ponsacco. South east of Pisa, this buzzing market town dates back to 1197, when it was guarded by two castles before being fortified by city walls two centuries later. Since then, its centre has blossomed into a lovely ensemble of neo-classical monuments, paved shopping streets and colourful piazzas. In the main square, a graceful cream-painted church and bell tower await your attention – providing you can tear yourself away from the welcoming outdoor cafes and welcoming trattorie that lace the streets. And on Wednesdays, a colourful market hits town, tempting you with stalls of fresh produce and olive oils cultivated in the local farmland. As if all this wasn't enough, the great outdoors is a constant temptation. Head to picturesque villages like Chianni and Lari and follow nearby hidden trails through forests still roamed by wild deer and boar. Take a trip to Volterra, a mellow medieval hill town marinated in centuries of warm Tuscan sunshine. Or sample a different side of the province by taking the famous thermal waters at the stately spa town of Casciana Terme. And when you're ready for serious sightseeing, dive into Pisa's glorious baptistery and leaning tower, just a few kilometres away. Or turn east to Florence to revel in its mesmerising art, culture and cafe life.

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