Eat, Pray, Love… A Tribute to Hidden Tuscan Treasures

Tuscany is by far the most famous Italian region among foreign travelers, still it is mainly identified with Florence, Siena and the Chianti hills. There are many hidden treasuries in the Serchio Valley, an area comprised between Pisa and Lucca. Less glamorous but more authentic, it can make you feel living like a local.

Casa Gentili, in Avane (PI)

I just spent a few wonderful days in this part of Tuscany which I knew very little and was charmed by its understated beauty and the unique hospitality of the people. There’s so much to tell, but for now I wished to pay a first tribute through images to the Serchio Valley and three of its main characteristics: Food, Art, Hospitality.  Or in other words, Eat, Pray, Love…

EAT

Don’t ever think at staying on a diet. Believe me, it is absolutely im-pos-si-ble! Food is awesome, and there are plenty of cosy places where you can find local organic products of great quality and wonderful taste. Want to see a few examples?

Pizza con il lardo di Colonnata (pure pork fat!) is one of the most popular at Lo Zenzero, a lovely wine bar in Vecchiano (about 8 km North of Pisa). Once you taste it, you won’t be surprised: it is delicious!

Pizza with Lardo di Colonnata. One of the Top Hits at Lo Zenzero (Vecchiano - PI)

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Brigidini are traditional Tuscan biscuits, owing their name and recipe to a nun named Brigida.

One day, Brigida messed up the batter to make hosts and to avoid wasting the batter the nuns decided to flavor it with anise and other flavors, thus creating a new kind of biscuits. We cooked them in the fireplace at Casa Gentili using a very old tool similar to a long pincer with to flat metal dishes at the end where you put small balls of batter. The best way to taste Brigidini? With a good glass of Vin Santo, the traditional dessert wine!

Brigidini at Casa Gentili

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Gelato… Ice Cream and granita at Gelateria De Coltelli in Pisa are simply sublime. They are handmade following the ancient tradition and recipes, using only local organic seasonal products. And the taste is… there are no words to describe it. You just have to taste it by yourself.

Pistachio Gelato by De' Coltelli (Pisa). The best ever!

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A journey in Italy wouldn’t be complete without pasta. I will remember for a long time the delicious Tortelli with ragù sauce prepared by Cuoche in Vacanza during their lovely show cooking at Casa Gentili. Not to speak of the Tagliatelle with artichokes.

Tortelli! By Cuoche in Vacanza

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Another Tuscan specialty that should not be missed is the Zuppa di farro, a thick soup made of red beans, spelt, rosemary and served with local extra-virgin olive oil. I tasted a very good one at Ristorante La Cecca, a well-known place in the outskirts of Lucca.

Zuppa di Farro, Ristorante La Cecca

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Most traditional dishes are very simple, and their taste is all about the quality of the ingredients. You can taste exquisite organic olive oil, cheese, honey and jam at Agriturismo Spazzavento, while enjoying the stretch of olive trees and the view over the valley.

Local Organic Products at Agriturismo Spazzavento

PRAY

The proximity of the Vatican and the Pope can be found everywhere in Italy: Churches, Monasteries, Convents, Religious paintings and sculptures are disseminated throughout the country. The Pisa Charterhouse (Certosa di Calci, 10 km from Pisa), is an extremely well preserved Carthusian Monastery dating back to 1366-67 whose beauty will leave you speechless.

Lucca, Calci Charterhouse

Our excellent guide from Pisatour introduced us to the extremely austere life of the monks living in total seclusion and to the wonderful frescoes decorating the refectory and other public spaces.

Lucca, Calci Charterhouse

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The old Nicosia Monastery, dating back to 1267, has been abandoned in the 1970′s and since then has undergone a progressive deterioration. In 2004 a few volunteers of the area established an Association called Nicosia Nostra with the objective to preserve an important piece of the local historical heritage. Thanks to the impressive work by the volunteers, the monastery has been partially cleaned and the cloisters have been reconditioned and today it hosts several events, the most famous of which is the Festa delle Camelie celebrating the blooming camellias in the cloister.

Nicosia Monastery (Nicosia Nostra)

LOVE

Despite the clouds and the rain, visiting Lucca the day Italy was celebrating its 150th Birthday (March 17, 2011) was a unique experience. Everywhere the city was decorated with the tricolored Italian flag and there was a wonderful sense of joy among the people filling the small streets and the old squares.

Lucca, Flag Wavers. Celebrating Italy's 150th Birthday

The most memorable moment was the show by the flag weavers, wearing the traditional medieval costumes. I couldn’t stop looking at the graciously dancing flags, an enchanting performance.

Proud to be Italian. Italy's 150th Birthday

This trip was all about sharing experiences and discover off-the-beaten path itineraries. Emilio and Serena from Eco-guide guided us on a lovely bike tour on Lucca walls and along the old aqueduct in the outskirts and we were rewarded for the effort with an excellent ice-cream.

Biking along Lucca Aqueduct

Having good time around the table, savoring the fresh local products and sharing the love of the locals for their land and traditions is one of the things that makes a tour in the Serchio Valley such a beautiful and enriching experience.

Olive Oil and Cheese Tasting at Agriturismo Spazzavento

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A special thank you goes to Avventurosa and Casa Gentili for organising this blog trip and to all the local operators who warmly welcomed us and let us discover so many hidden Tuscan treasures.

Featured image: Massaciuccoli – Oasi Lipu. Photo by David Gemignani

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