Discover Quarrata

Quarrata offers a range of thematic experiences: Villa La Magia, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the protected Bosco de La Magia nature area; and historic architecture and craft heritage. When planning your trip, you can choose between nature, trails and cultural and historic sites. The circular trail links woodland and panoramic views, while the buildings and collections each tell their own stories.

Nature and trails on Montalbano

The protected Bosco de La Magia nature area is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Birds nest there and pass through; bats, amphibians and reptiles are also found there. This makes Bosco de La Magia a nature destination with several groups of wildlife. Nature lovers can include this focus in their trip plans alongside the cultural sites.

The Via Medicea – Anello della Magia circular trail passes through the woodland of Villa La Magia and reaches the foothills of Montalbano. It offers panoramic views of Quarrata and the gentle hills where the villa stands. If you want a circular trail that takes in both woodland and views of the town and surrounding hills, these features offer a clear point of reference.

The Romea Strata offers a different point of reference: its Tuscan section passes through the Montalbano area. A short stretch runs along the mountain slopes northwest of the municipality of Quarrata and heads towards Vinci. The Anello della Magia is known for its woodland route and panoramic views; for the Romea Strata, the specific points of reference are the northwestern slope section and the direction towards Vinci.

Culture, architecture and crafts

Villa La Magia is part of the serial UNESCO World Heritage Site Ville e Giardini Medicei in Toscana. Casa di Zela is another cultural and historical highlight. Its oldest section was probably a tower house built for defensive purposes; in the 16th century, with the spread of sharecropping, it developed into a dwelling for workers. Its history thus spans a probable early defensive function and its later use as workers’ housing.

The Chiesa di Santo Stefano a Campiglio is probably of Romanesque origin and is an example of rural religious architecture. It offers a different focus from the residential and functional history of Casa di Zela: here, religious architecture takes centre stage, while Casa di Zela reflects how a building evolved through different uses.

The collection at the Museo del Filet di Villa La Magia documents Quarrata’s craft heritage. It includes magazines, registers, garments, hats, filet lace gloves and tools. Written records sit alongside clothing and work tools, giving the collection several perspectives on the craft.

The Museo Diocesano di Ferruccia preserves paintings, sculptures and sacred furnishings as part of the region’s historical and artistic heritage. It is currently temporarily closed. If you are planning a visit, please check in advance whether it has reopened.

Discover more destinations: Buriano, Massa E Cozzile, Castagno, Serravalle Pistoiese, San Marcello Pistoiese, Limestre, Agliana, Pracchia.

For the broader travel overview: Pistoia.