Rovaci – rural settlement in Marliana

Rovaci is a rural settlement in the agroforestry sub-system of the Montagna Pistoiese and belongs to the municipality of Marliana. If you are considering a trip to Rovaci, Marliana also offers a wider landscape setting: the municipality lies where the Valdinievole meets the Pistoia Mountains, and its hills include gentle slopes planted with grapevines and olive trees. This is relevant when choosing a destination: Rovaci refers to the rural settlement, while Marliana provides the wider landscape and municipal setting. This lets you consciously decide the scope of your plans.

Farming culture and tradition

The Museum of Farming Culture in Marliana exhibits old agricultural tools, including a fodder cutter, a seed drill and a plough. Some of the tools are still in working order. The names of the tools refer to different stages of work: the fodder cutter is used to prepare feed, the seed drill for sowing and the plough for working the soil. These tangible tools bring agricultural history to life.

In Momigno, a craftsman makes the stone slabs used to prepare necci by hand. Necci are flat cakes made from chestnut flour. The cooking slabs themselves are part of the culinary story: they connect the preparation of the food with a handcrafted utensil. For travellers interested in traditional food culture, this combination offers a tangible way to explore the subject.

The Cantar Maggio takes place every year in the municipality of Marliana. Local residents perform traditional songs and dances, and there are also food-related activities. The fact that the residents themselves perform shapes the festival’s community spirit. Dates and programme vary. So if you would like to include the Cantar Maggio in your plans, check the specific event dates.

Churches and historical traces

The old church of San Leonardo stands in the fortified village of Serra Pistoiese. The ruins of the ancient Pieve di Sant’Andrea di Furfalo, also known as La Pievaccia, lie on the southeastern slope of Serra Pistoiese. In Emperor Otto III’s diploma of 998, the Pieve is mentioned as Plebs de Furfalo among the churches under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Pistoia. Thus, the church in the fortified village and the hillside ruin with its historical mention offer two distinct points of historical reference.

Mountain bike route through Marliana

A mountain bike route through the Marliana area passes through the forest of Montagnana and by medieval walls at the village entrance. The forest and walls are specific landmarks along the route. When planning your ride, also bear in mind that trail conditions can change, so check them before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Momigno, Avaglio, Montagnana, Goraiolo

Go to the wider travel overview: Marliana.