Fattoria di Vecchiano: Rural History and Nature Between Wetlands and Hills

The Fattoria di Vecchiano is a place where history, landscape and nature come together, telling the deep relationship between people and the environment in the territory historically located between the Serchio River and Lake Massaciuccoli.
An integral part of the Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Natural Park, this farm represents a unique snapshot of historic agricultural economy and wetland ecosystems shaped by water dynamics and centuries of land reclamation.

Historical Origins: Wetlands, Reclamation and Agricultural Production

Since the late 13th century, the area between the Serchio River and the lake was the focus of hydraulic works aimed at containing the expansion of the vast marshlands. This waterlogged landscape, crossed by canals and ditches made navigable, allowed hunting and fishing activities that were essential to the local economy.

In the 16th century, Medici ownership began to take shape, gradually strengthening its presence and leading to the construction of the first Fattoria di Vecchiano. The structured reclamation works of the 17th century, although costly, were fundamental in expanding cultivable land and making large marshy areas productive.

Later interventions, including those led by the Dutch engineer Van der Street and by the Grand Duke, further reshaped the hydrographic landscape with ditches, canals and wind-powered pumps used for water regulation.

By the 18th century, the farm covered approximately 900 hectares, including extensive marshlands—such as Padule Grande, Padule delle Prese and Padule del Bellino—as well as hilly terrain where olive groves and vineyards represented the main economic resources.
The olive oil produced was sold to neighboring farms, while the wine, known for its anti-malarial properties, was sought after even beyond the region.

Toward the end of the 18th century, the Fattoria di Vecchiano was transferred to the Salviati family, marking the beginning of a new phase of agricultural organization and reclamation initiatives that further shaped the territory.

Landscape and Biodiversity: Between Slow Waters and Hills

The Fattoria di Vecchiano is a territory with many different landscapes:

to the west, wide wetland areas of marshes and canals, once navigable by small boats
to the east, the Avane hills, characterized by traditional agricultural environments with olive groves and vineyards
at the center, flat land where marshland environments and rural activities historically coexisted

Botanical Interest

The great variety of natural environments within the farm supports the presence of:

wetland vegetation, including reeds, rushes and aquatic plants adapted to shallow and stagnant waters
herbaceous species linked to humid environments
hilly agricultural formations, characterized by olive trees, oaks and historic crops

This combination of habitats creates a rich and diverse biodiversity system, making the Fattoria di Vecchiano a privileged observation point for flora and fauna typical of Mediterranean wetland ecosystems.

Location and How to Get There

The Fattoria di Vecchiano is located in the southern part of the Natural Park, between the towns of Vecchiano, Nodica and Malaventre, in the province of Pisa.

How to reach the area:

by car or bicycle, following Via Aurelia or secondary roads connecting Vecchiano and Nodica
by bicycle or on foot, along cycling and pedestrian routes that cross wetlands and connect historic agricultural areas to Park trails – Puccini Cycle Path

Its location is ideal for those wishing to explore marshes, canals and the Avane hills in a single itinerary.

Visiting the Area: What to See and How to Explore

A visit to the Fattoria di Vecchiano offers an experience that combines nature, rural landscape and history.
The area is accessible through hiking trails and cycling paths within the Park, winding through wetlands, canals, meadows and hills.

Key points of interest:

trails along the Padule marshes, ideal for nature observation
routes toward the Avane hills, offering panoramic views and traces of ancient agricultural use
historic ditches and canals that tell the story of centuries of land reclamation

Free visits are allowed along marked paths; to access more internal or ecologically sensitive areas, guided excursions are recommended.

Guided Excursions by Visit Parco San Rossore

Visit Parco San Rossore offers guided excursions dedicated to discovering the Fattoria di Vecchiano and its natural and historical environments.

Available activities:

Nature walks in the Padule, within a wetland rich in birdlife and biodiversity
Combined nature & history itineraries, among ditches, canals and the Avane hills
Photography routes, designed to observe flora and fauna during peak biological activity
Slow-paced excursions, suitable for everyone, exploring the Park’s historic rural landscape

All experiences are led by authorized environmental guides, who enrich the visit with insights into geography, reclamation history and environmental dynamics.

Up-to-date excursions are available in the Hiking & Guided Tours Calendar on www.visitparcosanrossore.it.

Why Visit the Fattoria di Vecchiano

Visiting the Fattoria di Vecchiano means immersing yourself in a landscape shaped for centuries by the interaction between people and nature. It is an ideal destination for:

photographers and biodiversity observers
nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts
those interested in agricultural history and historic landscapes
families and walkers seeking peaceful yet meaningful routes