Altopascio is a charming small Tuscan town which is famous for its great tradition of bread making that has survived for centuries in the area.
In fact, though it may be little-known to tourists and a little off the beaten track, it is a bit of a mecca for bakers and even hosts a bread festival each year.
For this reason, it is known as the “town of bread”. In addition to delicious baked goods, however, the town has a lot more to offer and to be discovered.
If you like your holidays authentic and undiluted by tourist crowds and selfie sticks, this is a perfect destination, just find a vacation rental in Altopascio.
In fact, though it may be little-known to tourists and a little off the beaten track, it is a bit of a mecca for bakers and even hosts a bread festival each year.
For this reason, it is known as the “town of bread”. In addition to delicious baked goods, however, the town has a lot more to offer and to be discovered.
If you like your holidays authentic and undiluted by tourist crowds and selfie sticks, this is a perfect destination, just find a vacation rental in Altopascio.
Via Francigena, an important and ancient pilgrimage route going from France to Rome, passes through the town of Altopascio and the town was well-known, as a result, by medieval pilgrims and those from the north who were heading to the Crusades. It was an important stop offering food, healing and a place to rest until they moved on once more. The trail has actually been revitalized by the local government in recent years so you can drive it or walk along the scenic road as the pilgrims did in the late 1100 to the 1200s.
The historic centre of the town also shows the surprisingly rich cultural heritage of this little town with beautiful buildings such as the church of San Jacopo. Built in 1100 AD, its facade is expressed in smooth stone on the bottom and white and green marble on the top with a lunette and two lions located above the main portal. Next to the building is its imposing bell tower which was built in c.1280 in a medieval-fortress style. The Piazza degli Ospitalieri is the most beautiful part of the historic center, which features an interesting octagonal-shaped water well.
The historic centre of the town also shows the surprisingly rich cultural heritage of this little town with beautiful buildings such as the church of San Jacopo. Built in 1100 AD, its facade is expressed in smooth stone on the bottom and white and green marble on the top with a lunette and two lions located above the main portal. Next to the building is its imposing bell tower which was built in c.1280 in a medieval-fortress style. The Piazza degli Ospitalieri is the most beautiful part of the historic center, which features an interesting octagonal-shaped water well.
Bread has always been important to the town. In medieval times, the sharing of bread in its hostels was the simplest expression of conviviality and, today, its annual bread festival in May celebrates that same tradition. It is also the excellence of the bread produced in the town which is highlighted. Made with high quality ingredients and rich in fragrance, Altopascio's bread displays craftsmanship and has a very special flavor. Made with predominantly Tuscan flour, the recipe does not contain salt and does not use ordinary yeast but rather a particular kind of leavening dough that is produced daily. While the inside remains soft, the crust is lightly crisp and takes on a subtle golden color.
Bread is the star of the festival but is accompanied by other local products such as wine, extra virgin olive oil, cheeses and cured meats. More than 30 exhibitors set up on Via Cavour where visitors can taste and buy various types of bread and other products. In Piazza Ricasoli and Piazza Garibaldi other vendors sell antiques and crafts.
If you love baked goods or hidden gems, this Tuscan town caters for both!
Bread is the star of the festival but is accompanied by other local products such as wine, extra virgin olive oil, cheeses and cured meats. More than 30 exhibitors set up on Via Cavour where visitors can taste and buy various types of bread and other products. In Piazza Ricasoli and Piazza Garibaldi other vendors sell antiques and crafts.
If you love baked goods or hidden gems, this Tuscan town caters for both!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Lucarelli / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Serendip / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Lucarelli / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Serendip / CC BY-SA 3.0
