Valdera: a geographical area of great interest on the outskirts of Pisa

In the heart of Tuscany, near the city of Pisa, lies the geographical area called 'Valdera'. It is a very ancient concept, in fact we speak of the Valdera area as early as the fifteenth century with the Vicariate of Lari, called 'Delle Colline e Valdera', meaning by Colline di Lari the area between Val di Cascina, Val di Tora and Zannone. Over time the concept has changed and nowadays we talk about distinct municipalities that are linked from a landscape and tourist point of view in order to offer visitors different attractions in a little known but very fascinating area of Tuscany. Today there are 14 municipalities that are part of the Valdera, and among the attractions we can mention: - Pontedera, perhaps the largest and most populous, rich in prestigious religious buildings, historic buildings, works and artistic installations and a majestic Napoleonic bridge; - Santa Maria a Monte, famous for the drama of Casa Carducci, and for being the seat of the Galilei house, the home of the scientist's parents; - Calcinaia, with the ceramic museum; - Buti, with the Medici Villa and the Monte Serra di Sotto Nature Reserve; - Capannoli, with its four noble villas.