Porciano: Church, Towers and Walking Routes

Porciano lies on the road from San Baronto to Vinci. Terraces, rows of cypress trees and olive groves shape the surrounding landscape. The town combines historic buildings with routes that name Porciano as a destination or stopping point. When choosing a place to stay, it is therefore worth considering two sides of the town: its towers and church on the one hand, and the different types of routes on the other. Depending on your travel interests, the art in San Giorgio, the towers or the different route options may take centre stage.

Two Historic Centres and Two Towers

The settlement is divided into two historic centres around two towers and the Church of San Giorgio. The towers are called “Torre di sopra” and “Torre di sotto” and probably date from the 13th century. Both have a square ground plan and are approximately half their original height. It is thought that, together with the tower of Collececioli and the fortification on Colle di Montefiori, they formed part of a defence system for keeping watch over the valley below.

San Giorgio: Views and Art History

The history of the Church of San Giorgio dates back to the 13th century, and it was restored several times, particularly in the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries. From here, views extend over Montalbano and the entire Valdinievole; when visibility is good, the towers of San Gimignano can also be seen. This makes the views and the building’s history part of the same visit. Inside are a 1520 painting by Gerino da Pistoia depicting the Madonna and Child, Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Nicholas of Bari, as well as a ciborium dating from 1687 on the high altar. Made of alabaster, the ciborium is shaped like a small, cube-shaped temple.

Routes with Different Highlights

The San Baronto–Porciano trekking route takes two hours, is of medium difficulty and has an elevation gain of 150 m. It can be done on foot or by mountain bike and reaches Porciano at an altitude of 216 m. Another type of route is the Lamporecchio–Porciano–Lamporecchio circular route: it follows the Sentiero del Saletto through the forest before reaching Porciano. This difference can help you choose a tour: the trekking route focuses on duration and elevation, while the circular route offers a return to Lamporecchio and a named section through the forest.

Rural Tools and Embroidery Tradition

Cultural interest extends beyond the towers. The collection at the Museum of Old Rural Tools includes rural objects and units of measurement, old carpentry and shoemaking tools, and equipment for spinning wool and hemp. Its themes range from everyday objects and craft measurements to individual stages in processing fibres. A limited embroidery tradition has also been preserved in the hills around Porciano. In the wider Lamporecchio area, the “punto di Lamporecchio” is part of the regional embroidery tradition.

Discover more destinations: San Baronto, Spicchio.

Return to the main travel overview: Lamporecchio.