Lamporecchio

Lamporecchio is located in the low Valdinievole area, between the swamps of Fucecchio and Montalbano. Its local economy is based on the production of cereals, vegetables and fruit. A number of industries grace the area, including companies that produce food, footwear and construction materials. In ancient times, the town was known as ‘Lamporeclo’. Linguistically, this term probably originates from the word ‘lampone’ or ‘raspberry’. The Lamporecchio area’s first settlements date back to Roman times, as demonstrated by archaeological finds discovered in the area. Nonetheless, the village’s current structure was created during the Middle Ages, thanks to the construction of a castle which fell under the jurisdiction of the Bishops of Pistoia, who maintained control of it until the middle of the thirteenth century. In 1244, the Lamporecchio castle was placed under the protection of the town of Pistoia.
From the end of the thirteenth century to the sixteenth century, the village of Lamporecchio alternatively belonged to Lucca, Florence and Pistoia; it continued to become the possession of one city after the another before it was finally annexed to the Republic of Florence in 1531. When the Medici Grand Dukes came to power they began a series of construction projects throughout the Florentine territory that aimed at renovating religious buildings and upgrading of the area’s urban fabric. During the eighteenth century, flax and wool processing became prevalent in addition to the production of straw hats.
The arrival of the Lorraine, during the second half of the eighteenth century, gave a boost to the local economy thanks to the reclamation of territory which occurred thanks to administrative reforms made by the Grand Duke Peter Leopold of Lorraine. In 1810, the Grand Duke gave Lamporecchio municipality status. In 1861, Lamporecchio was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy by the will of King Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy.
In terms of its most remarkable monuments, visitors won’t want to miss a visit to the parish church of Santo Stefano, the Abbey of San Baronto, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Orbignano, the Church of San Giorgio in Porciano and the Villa Rospigliosi Spicchio. Interestingly, Lamporecchio was the birthplace of poet Francesco Berni (1497-1535). Many events take place annually in Lamporecchio such as its traditional ‘Brigidini Festival’ held in August. During the fair, you can taste ‘brigidini’, a typical sweet made with eggs, sugar, flour, anise seeds and salt. Don’t miss the myriad musical performances that are also held during the festival.