Colognole: Aqueduct, Holm Oak Forest and Church Art

Colognole offers a clear contrast between landscape and sacred art: the protected area and the aqueduct structures form a natural and cultural setting, while the Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo and the artworks associated with it provide a distinct historical focus. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these themes separately. Trails, a guided circular walk, a church service and a sagra appeal to different interests and schedules. You can therefore shape your stay around whether you would prefer to spend most of your time outdoors or explore the area’s history.

Nature and the Aqueduct

The “Sorgenti di Colognole” local protected area of special interest lies in the southwest of the municipality of Collesalvetti, just outside the settlement of Colognole. At the springs of Colognole, a holm oak forest provides the setting for the aqueduct structures. The structures therefore do not stand alone, but are surrounded by a distinctive woodland landscape. To understand Colognole, the natural setting and aqueduct belong together: the protected area provides the landscape context, while the holm oak forest forms the immediate surroundings of the aqueduct structures. Those interested in how landscape and structures interact will find a specific point of interest here that extends beyond a single structure.

Hiking by the Aqueduct

Hikes also take up the aqueduct theme. The trail by the Colognole Aqueduct follows CAI trails 199, 125, 125P and 119. A guided hike to the aqueduct is an easy circular route in the Colognole area. It passes through Mediterranean maquis and among oaks and centuries-old holm oaks. Thus, the vegetation, as well as the structures, is part of what you will experience on this hike. If you are planning a guided tour, check the current details, as availability and arrangements may change. You should also check trail conditions shortly before your outing.

Church and Sacred Art

The Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo is located at Piazza Unione 4 in Colognole. A church service is held there at 9:30 a.m. on feast days. If the service is important to your daily plans, it is advisable to check the time in advance. Two specific works of art are also associated with the church. In 1599, the Pisan nobleman Giulio Gualandi commissioned a chalice made of silver-plated and gilded metal for the church. The Diocesan Museum preserves a reliquary of the Santa Croce from this church. The chalice is notable for its commissioner, date and material; the reliquary is defined by its association with the Santa Croce and its provenance from Santi Pietro e Paolo. Together, the objects show different aspects of the sacred art associated with Colognole.

The Sagra del Cinghiale

The Sagra del Cinghiale adds a local festival to the landscape and church themes. By 2024, the sagra had reached its 34th edition. In 2026, it took place at the “Carlo Lenzi” multipurpose area in Colognole from July 30 to August 2 and from August 5 to 9. These two periods are part of a past programme. If a future festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates in effect at that time rather than assuming the August dates listed here will be repeated.

Plan Your Stay

When choosing a hotel stay, you can organize your interests by focus: nature and hiking lead to the protected area and aqueduct; the church and art are central to exploring local history; and a festival visit depends on the dates in effect at the time. A trip focused mainly on the landscape raises different planning questions from a stay centered on visiting sacred art.

Discover more destinations: Castell'anselmo Li, Guasticce, Parrana San Giusto.

Go to the main travel overview: Collesalvetti.