Malocchio: Paths, Forests and History

Malocchio is a peaceful place and stays very cool in summer. For planning your trip, the destination combines walks and hikes with specific historical points of interest. Meadows, forests and local paths shape the time spent outdoors; a church, a work of art and a commemorative event offer different historical perspectives.

Meadows, Forests and Paths

The area around Malocchio is characterised by meadows and forests. The village lies among chestnut and beech forests, and the meadows and forests around Malocchio are suitable for walks and relaxation. Several paths pass through the village and are suitable for hiking. Several paths also run along the Torrente Cessana, climbing uphill towards the mountains. This lets you choose between walks through the countryside and uphill routes along the Torrente Cessana.

Malocchio is accessed via Via Cerritorio; then follow the signs. Road conditions, trail conditions and signage can change. Check local information before setting out. A description of the “Casore – Avaglio – Colle di Buggiano” cycling route, published in 2017, also mentions a gravel road leading to Malocchio. As the surface may change, check its condition before your ride.

Church and Work of Art

The Chiesetta di San Frediano in Malocchio is documented as far back as 1260. The church houses a 16th-century Florentine-school panel titled “Madonna delle Grazie e alcuni Santi”. The two details mark different periods: the church is attested to in 1260, while the panel is attributed to the 16th century. For travellers interested in cultural history, this combination of a named building and work of art makes the village’s history tangible.

Remembrance and Historical Traces

An annual commemorative event takes place in Malocchio during the first days of September. It recalls the liberation of the Pistoia plain and Valdinievole from Fascism and the Fascist occupation in 1944. The event also commemorates the inhabitants of Malocchio who were killed during the retreat of German troops. In this way, it connects the region’s history with the memory of people from the village. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates and the specific programme in advance, as programme details may change.

Another historical point of interest lies nearby: Agnanello. Only a small roadside shrine remains there from a former religious settlement. This trace adds a nearby site with its own earlier religious history to the story of the Chiesetta di San Frediano.

For the broader travel overview: Buggiano.