Tenuta di Migliarino: Nature and History in the Heart of the Park

The Tenuta di Migliarino is one of the environmental treasures of the Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Natural Park, a territory of over 3,200 hectares where history, landscape and biodiversity intertwine in a unique natural mosaic.
Located between the Serchio River, Lake Massaciuccoli and the inland forest areas, this estate represents a millennia-old legacy of landscape transformations, historic land reclamation and preserved natural environments.

History and Transformations of the Estate

The arrival of the Salviati family on these lands, between the late 15th and early 16th centuries, marked a turning point in how the territory was managed. Until then, local communities freely used the area’s resources for grazing, timber collection, hunting and fishing. The reorganization of land ownership by the Salviati led to disputes and legal claims that continued until the 1940s.

During the 18th century, the Salviati expanded their holdings through purchases and land exchanges, incorporating marshy areas along the borders of the Migliarino woodland and the Tenuta di Poggio a Padule. At that time, the estate extended:

to the north, up to the border with the State of Lucca
to the east, toward Lake Massaciuccoli and the mouths of the Traversagna and Storrigiana ditches
to the south, as far as the embankment of the Serchio River
to the west, into the inland forested areas

Crossed by the historic Via Regia of Pietrasanta, the area included a border tower similar to that of the Gombo, which once overlooked the sea and is now enclosed within the woodland. Numerous internal routes connected wetlands, ditches and marshy areas, making the estate a key crossroads for travel between the coast and the plain.

In the early 19th century, the Salviati initiated land reclamation works that made the lands within the great bend of the Serchio more suitable for cultivation. Several farmsteads were established (such as Marina, Leccetti, Passatoie and Forcellone).
In 1854, under the direction of the engineer Keller, the systematic planting of stone pine began, dividing the woodland into regular squares structured by a dense network of paths and drainage canals—an imprint that still defines the estate today.

In the 1960s, the pine forest was protected from the risk of urban development, preserving an environment of exceptional natural value.

Landscape and Botanical Interest

The Tenuta di Migliarino is an extremely diverse environment from both a landscape and botanical perspective, composed of:

stone pine and maritime pine forests, often mixed with holm oaks, oaks, English oaks and Turkey oaks
wetlands and “lame”, seasonal depressions that represent one of the most distinctive habitats of the entire Park
Mediterranean scrub and shrublands, complex ecosystems that support high floral and faunal biodiversity
woodland paths and isolated agricultural clearings, telling the story of centuries of interaction between people and the environment

Within these landscapes, typical Mediterranean scrub species coexist with plants linked to wet environments, creating a vegetation mosaic of great interest for nature observation and ecological interpretation.

Location and How to Get There

The Tenuta di Migliarino is located in the northern part of the Park, close to Vecchiano, Torre del Lago Puccini and Marina di Vecchiano.
Environmentally, it lies between the Serchio River, Lake Massaciuccoli and the inland countryside, and is easily accessible by car, bicycle or on foot via a network of dirt roads and trails.

How to reach the estate:

by bicycle, along scenic routes connecting the Park’s inland areas to Marina di Vecchiano
on foot, following itineraries that cross forests, wetlands and historic agricultural landscapes
by private vehicle, using provincial roads and following signs to the historic estates

Useful reference points:

marked internal trails within the estate
rest areas and wildlife observation spots
proximity to the main guided excursions offered by Visit Parco San Rossore

Visiting the Estate

The Tenuta di Migliarino is accessible year-round through a network of hiking and cycling paths, allowing visitors to explore forests, wetlands and fragments of historic agricultural landscape.

Visits can be:

self-guided, following marked trails for hikers and cyclists
guided, with environmental guides offering in-depth insights into history, ecology and biodiversity

Visitor tips:

wear comfortable footwear and bring water
respect protected areas by staying on marked paths
use maps and informational materials available at Park visitor centers

Guided Excursions by Visit Parco San Rossore

On Visit Parco San Rossore, you can find guided excursions dedicated to the Tenuta di Migliarino, designed for those who want to experience the heart of the Park more deeply.

Featured experiences:

Trekking through forests and wetlands – an itinerary crossing the historic pine forest and the most characteristic wetland depressions, ideal for lovers of wild nature
Trails leading to the sea – routes connecting inland areas to the coast, passing through diverse and evocative landscapes
Slow-paced walks with an environmental guide – activities suitable for families and adults who want to understand the area’s flora, fauna and history in depth

What to expect during excursions:

historical insights into the role of the Salviati family and land transformations
botanical interpretation of forest and wetland habitats
observation of wildlife traces and local biodiversity
scenic viewpoints and unique observation points within the Park

All excursions, dates and participation details are available in the Hiking & Guided Tours Calendar section of www.visitparcosanrossore.it.

Why Visit the Tenuta di Migliarino

The Tenuta di Migliarino is a place where nature, history and landscape blend to offer every visitor an authentic and regenerating experience. It is the perfect destination for:

hikers and cyclists seeking forest-immersed routes
birdwatching enthusiasts and lovers of wild nature
those interested in understanding the historical relationship between people and the environment
anyone who enjoys walking through landscapes of outstanding natural beauty