Ponsacco, Italian comune
Ponsacco is a commune in the Province of Pisa in Tuscany, located between the larger cities of Livorno and Florence. The town center has wide streets, shops, and places to eat, while the surrounding countryside is marked by flat fields and country villas, including the Villa Medicea di Camugliano with its four corner towers and cypress-lined avenue.
In the Middle Ages, Ponsacco was an important fortress at the border between the city-states of Pisa and Florence and suffered from frequent battles between the two powers. During the Renaissance, it came under the control of the Medici family, who built many significant structures in the area.
The name Ponsacco comes from Ponte di Sacco, a bridge over the Sacco River that people shortened over time. The town is known today for its woodworking tradition, with families running small furniture workshops that have passed down their craft through generations.
The town is easily reached from Pisa and works well for a day trip to enjoy the slower pace and visit local sights. A green space in the Poggini area is perfect for walking or cycling and offers a relaxing break from the busy town center.
The town is home to one of Italy's largest cooking schools, the Tessieri school, where visitors can take classes in bread making, pizza preparation, ice cream making, and chocolate work. This unexpected culinary center makes the place a special destination for travelers wanting to learn traditional Italian skills.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
