Calci – Discover culture, nature and history

Calci offers specific starting points for a trip that brings nature and culture together: trails lead from the valley to the Monti Pisani, while the Certosa, Pieve and Museo di Storia Naturale each open up their own historical and natural history themes.

Landscape, trails and getting there

The Valgraziosa near Calci forms a natural amphitheatre and is also known as Valle Graziosa. Olive trees, Mediterranean maquis, pines and chestnuts shape the varied natural landscape. Numerous trails lead from the Calci valley up to the Monti Pisani; the trails are suitable for leisurely family walks. Check trail conditions locally, especially if you have a particular route in mind.

Calci can also be included in your plans by bike: the L'anello del Monte Pisano route passes through Calci. Check route conditions before setting out. The Monti Pisani Olive Oil Trail covers five municipalities: Calci, Buti, San Giuliano Terme, Vecchiano and Vicopisano. This is how the two routes differ: the cycling route passes through Calci, while the Olive Oil Trail covers several municipalities.

From higher points near Calci, on clear days the view extends over Pisa to the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Visibility depends on the weather. Bus routes 120 and 161 are listed for journeys from Pisa to Calci, with an approximate travel time of 30 minutes; buses depart from the central Sesta Porta bus station. Check route numbers and timetables before travelling.

The Certosa, Pieve and natural history

The Certosa di Calci includes areas for eremitic and cenobitic life. These include the large cloister, a cell, the church, chapels, the refectory and the chapter house. The Chiostro del Capitolo is the oldest of the Certosa’s three cloisters. If you are planning a visit to the Certosa, check the booking arrangements in advance.

The Pieve di Calci also offers a specific architectural point of interest: it has three naves separated by granite columns. Together with the areas of the Certosa, this makes it possible to plan a visit around different interests—from church architecture to the spaces where monastic life took place.

The Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Pisa adds natural history to the cultural themes. Its palaeontological collection comprises around 200,000 specimens gathered over more than 400 years. Guided tours explore various departments covering the history of humans, the Earth and animals. Since you should check whether guided tours are available before travelling, you can take this into account when planning.

Festivals and dates

The Gioco del Mulino is a historic game between Calci’s eight Rioni and takes place on the second Sunday in May. The historic Fiera di Sant’Ermolao takes place in the first week of August; it includes craft markets, concerts, art exhibitions, amusement rides and a traditional tombola. The two festivals offer different dates to consider when planning a trip. As dates and programmes may change, check the specific details before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Montemagno, Chianni, Santa Maria A Monte, Pontedera, Lorenzana, Staffoli, Vecchiano, Casciana Alta.

For the broader travel overview: Pisa.