Living La Dolce Life

Vellano is a hidden gem in the northern Tuscan hills just a short drive from the bustling city of Florence and before you get to more known towns of Pisa and Lucca.  How we ended up discovering this magnificent place is truly by the grace of God and the help of my Italian cousins in Milano (or Milan).  I wanted an off the beaten path romantic place that would make me feel like I was part of the community.  This heavenly place was made even more special with the love and care we received from the most gracious and beautiful family – The Beccari Family.  If you go here to just to visit them, you will be experiencing what Tuscany is all about.

One piece of advice, if you are like me and dislike curvy and tiny roads up mountains, the breathtaking hairpin drive up the mountain will take your breath away!  Luckily, the end reward is out a romantic Italian movie scene and seems so perfect and unreal.  I was guided to one of the most extraordinary little villages known as “Le Dieci Castella”.  Vellano is a sleepy little village hanging on the edge of the mountainside.  From our villa, the hills spread in every direction and showed up the other “dieci” (ten) castles.  We were serenated by the bells of each of the towns signaling to each other that all was at peace in this part of the world.

One of the beautiful things to doing in the Svizzera Pesciatina (Italian Switzerland) is to visit all the all little medieval castles made in pietra serena stone.  This was of great importance during the Middle Ages.  You are able to take a day trip and visit each one of these 10 Medieval villages/castles; Pietrabuona, Medicina, Fibbialla, Aramo, Sorana, Vellano, San Quirico, Castelvecchio, Stiappa, Pontito.  These cultural villages strewn throughout the valley offer experience, culture and very wonderful foods!  You’ll learn the history of the area while taking in some of the best views of the colorful and green valley below.  The breathtaking views reminded me of the alpine mountains that border northern Italy.

Vellano’s Chestnut Festival “Sagra delle Frugiate” is not to be missed in mid October.

One of the most celebrated times is the Chestnut Festival.  The villages come alive with many tourists ready to try the famous chestnut fried in the huge padella.  It’s a beautiful art and they take pride in roasting them to perfection.  All the local people gather at the village hall area and there are street vendors, face painters, dancing and a big celebratory dinner.  Locals and tourists come together on the hillside for this popular festival, all to celebrate chestnuts, wine, chocolate, figs and all the local goodies.

A traditional Tuscan meal at The Bistrot Vellano is a MUST DO!

The place to enjoy traditional Tuscan food is at The Beccari’s restaurant – The Bistrot Vellano.  I have yet to experience an true Tuscan meal like the ones made here.  Well, other than my Italian family meals in north Italy.  Each one of the courses is prepared with such love and with the food of the land by Simona.  We had everything from pastas with porcini (mushrooms), to exquisite cinghiale (wild boar) dish, to pizzas made in the hundreds year old wood fire oven by the best Tuscan baker, Vinicio. 

This is the place where my favorite cappucinos were made by the one and only, Serena.  She made my experience there so beautiful.  I’ll always remember our interesting conversations held in three languages; Italian, English and a little Spanish.  My most favorite memory was driving in her car and going on the bread delivery route down the mountain.  Vinicio’s famous Tuscan focaccia bread was sent to places as far off as Lucca and more.  Imagine yourself sitting next to the most aromatic bread and not being able to devour it!  Luckily, I had already had my fair share of the delicious foccacia bread at breakfast with my cappuccinos – yes, two each morning.  Thank you Serena, I do miss you!

How to reach Vellano and the Svizzera Pesciatina?

Getting to the area takes some planning but it is not difficult.

You can take a train to Pescia from Florence, Lucca,  and Viareggio and, from the station, take a taxi or a bus to one of the ten villages.  There is a daily bus service from Pescia to the villages.  It’s convinient and easy to use.  You just have to plan your time accordingly.

The easiest way to maneuver around this area of Tuscany is by car.

The variety and charm of Vellano and the medieval villages makes it the best get-a-way for your whole family.  Enjoy!

Dolce travels!