Agliana

Set between Prato and Pistoia, Agliana is a small town that started in the Roman era. Its name comes from its position in the Valle dell'Agna (Valley of the Agna River). Like most of the towns in this area, it flourished during the Middle Ages thanks to its position between the city-state powers of Florence and Pisa.

It is now more of a commuter community, but still has an active life in the town, too. There are some shops and restaurants to enjoy among the piazzas and boulevards. The Piazetta delle Erbe is set off the Piazza IV November, and served as Agliana's marketplace for fresh produce. There you'll find the Monument of the Contadino (Farmer), paying homage to the town's rural heritage. The Vecchia Chiesa, dedicated to St. Nicholas, was built in 1727 in Baroque style. It has a lovely wooden choir loft that houses an impressive pipe organ. The Spedalino Asnelli was a hospital founded in 1162 that gave care for centuries; the building is noteworthy.

Agliana is close to the famous spa town of Montecatini Terme and Sesto Fiorentino. Just to the south is Vinci, the birthplace of one of Italy's most famous artist/inventors, Leonardo da Vinci.