The Ironworks of Maresca, active as far back as 1388, is one of the oldest ironworks in Tuscany. It includes original hydraulic and mechanical machinery, as well as an ingenious system to produce compressed air. The blacksmith work is reproduced here through the expert hands of an artisan from the Pistoia Mountains area, who will guide you through iron beating and forging test. (Via Mulin Vecchio, 51028 Maresca – Pistoia)
Altri tappe
The Tree with Eyes
Leaving the car in Case Cucciani's car park, we begin to walk upwards for about twenty minutes along the Terzani Path until you come to a wooden sign pointing to the Tree with eyes, so dear to the journalist himself. Let's approach it respectfully so as to feel that magic which so fascinates the wayfarer: a splendid panoramic view over the Valle D'Orsigna and all the decorations left by people passing by, and which embellish this much loved tree. You then go on your way, entering the CAI Path n.5 and so you can now be embraced by a thick forest of white pines and beech trees.
Valdibrana
Piccola frazione di Pistoia, nota per la stazione ferroviaria lungo la linea Porrettana e per il suo binario di lanciamento. Nei dintorni sorge il santuario della Madonna di Valdibrana, sorto nel 1650 sul sito di un piccolo oratorio che, già dalla fine del XIV secolo, custodiva un'immagine miracolosa della Vergine.
Via del carbone
Una tappa per scoprire l’antico mestiere del carbonaro e immedesimarvi nella sua vita. Potrete entrate nel rifugio, una capanna realizzata con frasche, foglie e terra, dove il carbonaro trascorreva lunghi mesi lontano da casa, e osservare la ricostruzione di una carbonara, per comprendere quanta fatica e quanta esperienza erano necessarie per disporre ad arte la legna da cuocere e ottenere il carbone.
Stone Teaching Hub
In the town of Sambuca Pistoiese, this is where tools and items related to the ancient stonecutter trade are on display, a trade which locals were taught by members of the Maestri Comacini guild. In the same building you have the Ecomuseo camp. On request, you may also visit the nearby church of San Cristoforo and San Jacopo, with a valuable painting by an artist from the school of Guido Reni.