Laterina Pergine Valdarno is surrounded by Tuscany’s picturesque nature. You’ll find yourself constantly immersed in the rolling hills delicately covered in grapevines and olive trees, bestowing a variety of green hues. The local produce is so good that you just can’t miss the chance to try them while you’re here. For a taste of the cuisine that’s both all-encompassing and characterized with a touch of culture, travel along the Oil Trail, a thematic ring road about ten kilometres long.
It’s easy to see that this area is at the centre of a strong farming tradition simply with a quick glimpse of the countryside, dotted with farmsteads and typical Leopold-era houses, with characteristic dovecotes, structures that were designated for bird rearing. The settlements’ origins are likely ancient, perhaps dating to the Roman, or even Etruscan, era. What’s for certain, as we can see from what’s survived to this day, is that Laterina and Pergine were lively towns in the Middle Ages. This is also demonstrated by the joyous Medieval Laterina festival.
There are various buildings from a range of periods that are still standing today and well worth a visit. In Laterina’s historic centre, for example you’ll find the historic fortress and Giunigi Tower, as well as the beautiful Church of Santi Ippolito e Cassiano, home to a well-preserved Roman mosaic. The church is a sight to see primarily because it conserves a painting of the Virgin Mary credited to the Andrea del Sarto workshop. Outside the town, near Pergine, is the early Christian Parish Church of San Pietro a Presciano.
Nearby, you’ll find yourself totally immersed in nature at the Valle dell’Inferno and Bandella Nature Reserve, an oasis extending along a stretch of the Arno River, where animals run free and moments of tranquility are abundant.
And it’s not just bird watching. The Valdarno offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the well-kept Fineschi di Cavriglia Rose Garden’s greenery and scents. The garden is wonderful, and home to a collection of more than 6000 varieties of the elegant flower.
Those who want to admire the beauty of the area can do so on Pratomagno’s slopes exceeding 1500 metres. You can easily reach them from the small village of Loro Ciuffenna. While exploring these hiking trails, you’ll stumble across the tiny village of Anciolina, whose fascinating fortress remains are utterly stunning.
Every on the last weekend of July, Laterina pays homage to its past with the Medieval Laterina. The historic village goes back in time for three days, with period processions in costume, jesters, jugglers, acrobats and traditional flavors all on offer.
The Valdarno area - and therefore also that of Laterina Pergine Valdarno - is known throughout Tuscany for its fine extra virgin olive oil called Pergentino. This goes perfectly with the Valdarno chickpea, the area’s typical legume ideal for soups or the traditional pasta and chickpeas dish.
