Usigliano: Nativity Scene Culture and Village History

Usigliano combines nativity scene culture with village history. A permanent exhibition featuring more than 40 dioramas and nativity scenes, the Via dei Presepi and several historically significant buildings shape its cultural character. The surrounding area also offers paths through the vineyards and olive groves of the Pisan Hills. When planning a stay, you can decide whether to focus primarily on exhibitions and architecture or also on the rural surroundings.

Nativity Scene Culture and Rural Themes

The Museo della Civiltà Contadina e del Presepe in Usigliano has a permanent exhibition featuring more than 40 dioramas and nativity scenes. The museum’s name brings rural culture and nativity scenes together; the number of dioramas gives a sense of the scope of the permanent exhibition. This makes it a tangible point of reference when choosing a destination for a culture-focused stay.

On the edge of the village, the Museo del Presepe e delle Attività Agricole is located in the Antica Fattoria Castelli, a historic estate dating from the late 18th century. Its name links nativity scenes with agricultural activities, while the estate’s date provides a separate connection to architectural history. This means that alongside the exhibition theme, the historical context of the building can also be part of your exploration of Usigliano.

The Via dei Presepi of Casciana Terme Lari lists Usigliano di Lari as one of its stops. This means nativity scene culture appears not only as the subject of a permanent exhibition, but also as part of a named route featuring participating villages. In 2026, the Sagra Usiglianese reached its 25th edition. This specific event reference complements the ongoing exhibition and architectural history themes with an edition tied to a particular year.

Churches and Architectural History

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire was built in the 18th century next to the original church, which dates from the 13th century. On May 1, 1707, Francesco Maria Poggi, Bishop of San Miniato, consecrated the church. These details connect the chronology of the two church buildings with a precisely dated act of consecration. Restoration made the Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire accessible again and enabled its inclusion in the tourist routes of the municipality of Casciana Terme Lari.

Palazzo Upezzinghi stands on Usigliano’s church square. The surviving palace of the same name is associated with the presence of the influential Upezzinghi family in Usigliano. This brings together a specific location in the village and a connection to local family history as distinct aspects.

The Cappella di San Rocco is a 19th-century religious building on Via della Montanina in Sala di Usigliano. In chronological terms, it sits alongside San Lorenzo, whose history encompasses a 13th-century church and an 18th-century building. The location of San Rocco adds a distinct connection to Sala di Usigliano.

Putting the Village and Its Surroundings in Context

Paths through the vineyards and olive groves of the Pisan Hills offer a scenic perspective on the area around Usigliano. This gives you a choice of different interests: in the village, nativity scenes and the history of its churches and palazzo shape the cultural picture; in the surrounding area, paths through vineyards and olive groves are a focus in their own right. You can therefore decide whether to orient your stay more toward culture and architecture or the rural surroundings.

Discover more destinations: Boschi, Montescudaio, Montecatini Val Di Cecina, Miemo, Buti, Le Colombaie, Calcinaia, Orentano

For the broader travel overview: Pisa.