Sorana

Sorana is situated along the valley north of Pescia known as the Dieci Castella region. This takes its names from the 10 villages that line the valley hills and hilltops, each of which has a church with bell tower. During medeival and in more recent periods of upheaval like the second world war the towers acted as prime lookout posts for defence of the area.


Local - Things to do

There are some beautiful places to visit in the Pescia valley and surrounding area in Northern Tuscany and Casa della Vista is the ideal location to use as a base from which to venture out or to relax and enjoy the fabulous views and perfect weather in summer. Alternatively you can relax in the shadow of the olive groves, cooling off in the pool or nip down to Chiesa Uzzano, near the Autostrada for a day at the Don Carlos water park.

Local villages such as Vellano, Fibialla, Castlevecchio, Aramo, San Quirico, Collodi and Medicina can all be explored on foot from the old mule tracks that run from right outside the front door of the house or the historic walled city of Lucca is only a 30 minute drive


Florence

Florence is about an hour's drive, if you want to risk the hairy Italian city traffic or the rail link from Pescia is regular and reliable and will allow you to take in the scenery across the rolling north Tuscan hills


Food and Wine

Perhaps the best way to experience the hospitable local people and their culture is to dine in the local restaurants or visit the Saturday market in Pescia. At the bottom of the hill leading up to Sorana village is Trattoria Da Sandrino, which serves a marvellous aray of local produce including various game dishes, wild boar, the best fillet steak you will ever taste and the world-famous Sorana beans. Another dish not to be missed is the 'Pollo Arrosto', or roast chicken, at the Pescia 'Mercato' on Saturday morning, but don't be late as they stop serving at about 1230!


Culture

The whole area around Pistoia is rich in the history of Italian culture and famous names. You can visit the birthplaces of Leonardo da Vinci and Puccini or take in many festivals, markets and other gatherings across the region. Not many of the locals speak English, so a smattering of Italian or a good phrasebook are essential!!