Holiday apartment in Marti: Castle history, bastions and the Valdarno

Marti: Castle History and Medieval Town Center

A holiday apartment in Marti takes you to a place whose history spans several eras. The settlement emerged in the Early Middle Ages on an existing Etruscan settlement. Around the year 1000, one of the most important castles of the Pisan Upezzighi family was built in Marti. In 1435, Florence ordered the castle of Marti to be dismantled and destroyed. The historic center preserves a well-preserved medieval town layout. Those looking for accommodation can choose between different historical layers here and discover the town with a tangible historical background.

Archaeological Traces at the Bastione

The archaeological area of Bastione is located on the summit where the medieval castle of Marti once stood. It features an educational trail with exposed sections of the fortress walls, remains of ancient buildings and a rare medieval brick kiln. The archaeological route begins at the Etruscan burial site known as “Gina” and follows the ancient road up the slope to the fortress. From Bastione, the archaeological area offers panoramic views over the Valdarno. For families who enjoy combining historical discoveries with a walk, visible traces, a clearly defined route and the landscape come together in a single experience here.

Pieve and Antiquarium di Marti

The Pieve di Santa Maria Novella was built in 1332. On the outside, it is constructed entirely of brick; the main facade and exterior sides are decorated with blind arches. The facade incorporates 13th-century ceramic bowls made in Pisa and Hispania. The Antiquarium di Marti collects, preserves and displays Etruscan, medieval and modern finds from the castle of Marti and the surrounding area in temporary exhibitions. The collection includes ceramics from the lower Valdarno dating from between the 11th and 16th centuries, as well as bricks from a late-medieval brick kiln excavated at the foot of Bastione. Important for your planning: Access to the Antiquarium di Marti is restricted to special events.

Festivals, Crafts and Ciaccini Martigiani

Marti connects its historic sites with fixed dates in local life. Marti’s historic village festival takes place on the third Saturday and Sunday in September. The program includes a crafts market in the village streets and the traditional tiro del panforte game. At the fair in Marti, Ciaccini Martigiani in many flavors are on the program from 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 12. Such occasions offer a different focus from the tour of Bastione: here, the emphasis is on the streets, crafts, tradition and local specialties.

Discover More Places

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Marti, you can also explore Montecchio, Fabbrica, Legoli, Montelopio and Ghizzano.

For the overview of the wider area: Peccioli.