ESCAPE TO THE HILLS

Florence can swamp you. After a few days trailing through palaces and galleries, all of a sudden it gets a bit much. You want out. You want to see some beauty that doesn’t have a frame around it. You want some art that is real, not flaking off a wall somewhere.

If that is your need, then head for the hills. But don’t take the standard, tourist track westwards to Pisa. Instead get yourself onto the quieter route east, leaving the city by the Lungarno Christoforo Columbo, the road that hugs the green banks of the Arno where joggers and picnickers scramble for space.

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This article continues with details of things to do and see in the lesser-know area in the hills east of Florence.

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(finishes…)

After Pontessieve the road stays with the wandering river  for some time; through villages with pebbled causeways where shapeless old men nonchalantly cast their lines beside 'Divieti di Pescia' (No Fishing) signs. 

The yellow stucco terracotta tile houses are pure Tuscany and if occasionally you have to take evasive action because a faded blue three­­-wheeler car is hurtling across the centre-line – well that, after all, is pure Italy too!

©Sally Hammond 2006

Picture Credits: ©Gordon Hammond 2006

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