Area naturale protetta di interesse locale Cascine di Tavola, Protected natural area near Poggio a Caiano, Italy
The Cascine di Tavola is a protected natural area near Prato, stretching across green fields with a network of canals, historic farm buildings, and cultivated lands. The site combines agricultural areas with Renaissance-era water management infrastructure that connects different parts of the estate.
Lorenzo de Medici established this estate in the 15th century as part of a farming complex connected to the Villa of Poggio a Caiano. The water management system was specifically designed to manage flooding between different sections of the property.
The central farmstead displays Lombard-inspired architecture with moats and reinforced walls, reflecting medieval defensive traditions. The landscape around the buildings remains actively farmed by local residents, blending historic structures with contemporary rural life.
The area can be explored by bicycle using dedicated paths that connect different sections and make navigating the large site easier. The flat landscape is ideal for leisurely exploration, especially outside the hottest times of day.
The water management system employs sophisticated Renaissance engineering where canals served multiple purposes beyond irrigation, including boat transport and flood control. This innovative design allowed both practical movement of goods across the vast property and protection from seasonal water overflow.
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