Pescia

Nestled like a precious gem in the heart of Tuscany, halfway between Lucca and Florence, lies Pescia, a charming town rich in history, culture, and charm. A small municipality, but a bustling center of activity and life, Pescia shines in the rich mosaic of landscapes in this region, surrounded by the beauty of its famous hills, almost as if it were embraced by the gentle mountains to the east, and with a scenic backdrop of the river landscape to the west. One characteristic that sets Pescia apart from other cities in Tuscany is the presence of the eponymous river, the Pescia, which flows through it, softening the contours of this picturesque town even more. This area is so fertile and lush that it boasts a significant agricultural production, including a flourishing floral industry that has made Pescia one of the main players in the European floriculture market. The history of Pescia is lost in the mists of time. Although written documentation about its origins is limited, with the first mention of the city in 825 AD in a Lombard inscription, objects found during archaeological excavations indicate that the area was inhabited since prehistoric times. Influenced by Etruscan, Roman, and Lombard influences, Pescia has maintained its relevance over time, surviving wars and devastations, and facing every challenge that history has thrown at it with strength. Over the centuries, Pescia has developed a significant economy based on industry and trade, but this has not overshadowed its historical and cultural heritage in any way. Walking along the cobbled streets of the historic center, you can admire numerous buildings of remarkable architectural value, many of which date back to the medieval period. Churches, noble palaces, and various monuments bear witness to the city's long and complex history. However, it is not only the historic buildings that define Pescia: the town is also a place of vibrant cultural activity. Every year, the streets come alive during local festivals and events, creating a fascinating mix of past and present. Among the most famous celebrations is the traditional Olive Oil Festival, dedicated to the region's famous "green gold," a symbol of local agriculture and gastronomy. Pescia, with its captivating combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of peace and serenity, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In this corner of Tuscany, life seems to follow a different rhythm, marked by the cycles of nature, the slow flow of the river waters, and the traditions firmly rooted in the community. Pescia is not just a city, but a treasure trove of memories, culture, and stories told through the centuries by streets, buildings, river, and mountains. Those who visit cannot help but feel part of this richness, of this harmony that binds together natural elements and those created by humans in a single, enchanting Tuscan picture.

ISTAT code: 047012

Available Opportunities

Neighboring municipalities

Bagni di Lucca, Buggiano, Capannori, Chiesina Uzzanese, Marliana, Massa e Cozzile, Montecarlo, Pescia, Ponte Buggianese, Uzzano, Villa Basilica

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Companies, Institutions and Points of Interest in the municipality of Pescia:

Pescia is a municipality located in the beautiful Tuscan region, boasting a lively local economy that includes a wide range of successful businesses and industries. A place of rich history and breathtaking landscape, Pescia is known for its hardworking community and enterprising commercial initiatives. The nurseries of Pescia are highly renowned, playing a key role in the local economy. For decades, the art of nursery gardening has been passed down from generation to generation, making Pescia a reference point for the production and sale of high-quality plants even beyond Italian borders. These nurseries not only produce flowers and ornamental plants, but also fruit trees, tropical plants, and shrubs. In addition to production, there are numerous companies specialized in the sale and relocation of large trees, services highly sought after for the creation of parks and gardens. Another cornerstone of the local economy comes from the printing and publishing sector. In Pescia, there are many companies active in this field, many of which adhere to traditional printing methods, preserving the art of engraving and screen printing. These businesses contribute to the production of books, magazines, posters, and advertising material. While many of them are rooted in tradition, there are also those that experiment with innovative technologies, combining the ancient craft with the needs of modern communication. A special mention goes to the gastronomic sector of Pescia. Culinary art reaches its peak in the numerous artisanal companies that produce typical foods. There are pasta factories that create egg pasta using traditional methods, bakeries that bake delicious Tuscan breads, as well as companies specialized in the production of cured meats and cheeses to ensure the authenticity of local typical products. There are also wineries and wine houses, where excellent qualities of Tuscan wine are produced. Local craftsmanship is another pillar of the Pescia industry, with the presence of ceramic workshops, stained glass studios, and jewelry shops. These businesses, often family-run, represent the tradition and identity of the area, characterizing the appearance and atmosphere of the city center. The tertiary sector also plays a significant role, with numerous commercial and service activities that complement the local economy. Banks, insurance companies, real estate agents, law firms, doctors, beauty centers, gyms, and numerous restaurants and bars support the daily life of residents and visitors. In conclusion, the economy of Pescia is an example of how a community can thrive thanks to a harmonious combination of tradition and innovation, preserving its historical roots while adapting to modern times. Thanks to its numerous local businesses, the city offers a wide range of high-quality products and services, from those related to nature to those of culture, from food to craftsmanship, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.

Community and Government

Travel Agencies

Statistics

Pescia is a charming municipality in central Tuscany, located between the slopes of the hills of the Val di Nievole. Despite its small surface area of 79.12 sq km, it accommodates a dense population of 19,276 inhabitants, almost half of whom are women. One of the prominent elements of Pescia's territorial context is the poignant natural beauty of its hilly landscape, distributed among altitude bands of 0-299 meters (34.93%), 300-599 meters (36.42%), 600-899 meters (23.39%), and 900-1199 meters (5.27%). This geographical feature, combined with the mild climate and clean air, makes Pescia an attractive place for nature lovers and outdoor tourism. Although Pescia is not a coastal or island municipality, its central location in Tuscany offers favorable accessibility to various points of interest and infrastructure. Railway stations with active passenger service can be reached in 40 minutes, highway access in 11 minutes, airports in 45 minutes, and passenger ports in 53 minutes. The hotel sector has developed substantially throughout the municipality, with a total of 34 accommodation facilities, divided between 2 hotels and 32 non-hotel establishments. Non-hotel establishments include 9 rental accommodations managed as businesses, 22 agritourisms, and 1 bed & breakfast. The total number of beds offered is 759, with the majority in agritourism facilities and hotels. Also noteworthy is the presence of seven museum facilities that, in 2020, recorded a total of 82,017 visitors: a figure that testifies to a lively cultural offering and high tourist attractiveness of the city. In terms of housing, statistics from 2021 reveal that out of a total of 11,330 dwellings, 8,393 were occupied and 2,937 were unoccupied. This information could suggest opportunities in real estate, considering there is an inventory of vacant homes that could serve as an investment for resale or rental. Overall, Pescia offers investment opportunities in various sectors. The rich natural and cultural environment represents great potential for tourism, agritourism, and hospitality. At the same time, the presence of a significant number of unoccupied dwellings provides opportunities in the real estate sector. Additionally, the relative proximity to major transportation networks could make the area appealing to logistics and distribution companies. Finally, it is important to note that Pescia is home to a foreign community composed of 2,676 people, which may indicate a welcoming city with a culturally diverse population.

ISTAT COD AND MUNICIPALITIES
ISTAT code047012
MunicipalityPescia
INHABITANTS (2023)
Total Inhabitants19276
Males9369
Females9907
TERRITORIAL SURFACES
HOUSES 2021
Occupied dwellings as of December 31st8.393
Unoccupied dwellings as of December 31st2937
Homes as of December 31st11.33
Stranieri
Males1265
Females1411
Total2676
5 STARS AND 5 STAR LUXURY
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
4 STARS
Exercises1
Beds253
Rooms106
Bathrooms115
3 STARS
Exercises1
Beds173
Rooms92
Bathrooms96
2 STARS
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
1 STAR
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
Tourist Hotel Residences
Exercises0
Beds0
Rooms0
Bathrooms0
Total Hotels
Exercises2
Beds426
Rooms198
Bathrooms211
Campsites and Tourist Villages
Number0
Beds0
Rental accommodation managed in an entrepreneurial manner
Number9
Beds79
Farmhouses
Number22
Beds249
Youth Hostels
Number0
Beds0
Holiday homes
Number0
Beds0
Alpine refuges
Number0
Beds0
Other accommodation facilities
Number0
Beds0
Bed & Breakfast
Number1
Beds5
Total non-hotel establishments
Number32
Beds333
Total accommodation facilities
Number34
Beds759
2020 Museums and Similar Institutions
Number of museum institutions7
Number of visitors82017
Fasce altimetriche
PERIMETER_KM61.50
AREA_KMQ79.18
0-299 (%)34.9
300-599 (%)36.4
600-899 (%)23.4
900-1.199 (%)5.3
1.200-1.499 (%)0.0
1.500-1.999 (%)0.0
2.000-2.499 (%)0.0
>=2.500 (%)0.0
% Total100
Agrarian region
Agricultural Region Code4702
Denomination: Agricultural RegionCOLLINE DELLA VAL DI NIEVOLE
Other statistical classifications
Altitude of the center (meters)62
Coastal municipalityNo
Island municipalityNo
Coastal areasNo
Level of urbanizationZone a densità intermedia di popolazione
Accessibility indices (in minutes)
Railway stations with active passenger service40
Access to the motorway network11
Airports45
Ports with passenger service53

News on TRAVELNOSTOP

Pescia, a charming town in Tuscany, offers remarkable attractions of historical, artistic, and cultural interest. Located in the heart of the region, it stands out as a fascinating example of a territory rich in vestiges of the past and traditions that highlight its rich heritage. The town of Pescia boasts several beautiful churches, fascinating examples of religious architecture. Among these, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta stands out, a building with ancient and venerable charm. Dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral's architecture is distinguished by its sober lines and discreet ornamentation, admired for its superb works of art, including the exquisite Morettini organ and the altarpiece by Bartolomeo Cristofanelli. No less evocative is the Church of San Francesco, another religious building of great interest, with frescoes of remarkable artistic value. Nestled among ancient cobblestone streets and picturesque stone houses, the Basilica of San Maria dell'Umiltà is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, famous for its majolica dome, the largest in Tuscany after that of the Florence Cathedral. The basilica is a place of great spiritual importance and is guarded by the monks of the Order of the Servants of Mary. Pescia places great emphasis on preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage through events and festivals held throughout the year. The Feast of San Zeno, the city's patron saint, is held in May and involves the entire town, filled with music, color, and stalls. During the festival, citizens gather to honor the saint through processions, music, and food. It is a moment of communion, joy, and pride for the local community. The most anticipated event of the year is undoubtedly the traditional Giostra dell'Orso, a historic medieval reenactment held every August. During the event, the city is divided into "rioni" (districts) that compete in a vibrant horse race to win the bear trophy. The cathedral square fills with color, music, flag-throwers, and knights in period costume, evoking emotions that have endured over time. But Pescia isn't just famous for its historical monuments and festivals. Also noteworthy are the lush botanical garden of the "Pinocchio Park," dedicated to the famous puppet, and the evocative Fucecchio Marshes Park, the largest marshland in Italy and an important nature reserve. In addition to its churches and monuments, Pescia also boasts its characteristic Medieval Quarter, with its narrow, winding streets leading to delightful hidden corners and breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape. All this makes Pescia an enchanting place for lovers of art, history, tradition, and nature; a rough diamond in the heart of Tuscany, where past and present blend harmoniously.

Travelnostop news on the municipality of Pescia: