Ph. Roberto Sivieri/flickr
In a town known for its priceless scenic and historical beauty, a small jewel has distinguished itself by being crowned the 2024 “Village of Villages”. Peccioli, a village nestled in the heart of Tuscany, received this coveted award that celebrates not only its beauty but also the vitality of a living, breathing cultural heritage.
A prestigious award for Peccioli
The “Borgo dei Borghi” award, given annually, is a true recognition of Italian excellence in the field of small municipal realities. Peccioli, with its architectural harmony, preserved traditions and ability to blend authenticity and innovation, won over the jury of landscape, history and tourism experts. The path to victory was not easy, given the distinguished competitors, but the Peccioli community showed a strong identity and a remarkable commitment to enhancing its village.
Ph. Cesvot Centro Servizi Volontariato Toscana/flickr
The beauty of the village
Among Peccioli’s hallmarks is the Pieve di San Verano, with origins that are lost in the 11th century, a testament to Romanesque architecture. A highlight is the Prehistoric Park, which offers life-size reproductions of dinosaurs, attracting the curiosity of young and old alike. In addition, one cannot overlook the importance of the Archaeological Museum, which preserves Etruscan and Roman artifacts, and the Belvedere, from which one can enjoy a splendid panorama of Valdera.
Ph. Luca/flickr
The Giants of Peccioli
Framing Peccioli’s triumph are the Statues of Naturaliter, also known as the Giants of Peccioli. These are extraordinary, more than life-size sculptures depicting stylized human figures in positions that seem to emerge from the earth. These works of art are placed outdoors in one of the city’s parks and can be admired during a walk surrounded by the greenery and silence that characterizes this area. The sculptures have the peculiarity of harmoniously interacting with their surroundings, creating an evocative link between art and nature.
Ph. annamaria rizzi/flickr
What does the future hold for the village?
The future for Peccioli looks bright. The title of “Village of Villages” in 2024 is not only an achievement, but also the starting point for new paths and ambitious projects. Territorial marketing strategies will be intertwined with heritage preservation and enhancement initiatives to strengthen the link between history and a sustainable future.
The village, now on the map of Italy’s most desirable places, has all the makings of an example of how small communities can compete in terms of attractiveness and quality of life. Peccioli now embodies an all-Italian model of excellence, a small reality that has been able to emerge and that promises to be a protagonist in new chapters of the history of the most beautiful villages in the Belpaese.
Praetorian Palace Museum – Ph. hansthijs/flickr
