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Capraia and Limite
Photo © Sailko
Photo © Sailko

Capraia and Limite

A double history between mountains and river

The territory of Capraia and Limite lies between the hills of Montalbano and the course of the river Arno. It includes the towns of Capraia Fiorentina and Limite sull'Arno, with two unique and both relevant histories. 

What to see in and around Capraia and Limite

Limite is closely linked to its proximity to the course of the river Arno: in this stretch, in fact, the waterway had a conformation that favored the work of the "navicellai," (sailors) who had the task of transporting goods to and from the sea. It was precisely in Limite, not surprisingly, that the first society of rowers in Italy was set up in the nineteenth century, and the passion for boats has grown; here, despite the distance from the coast, shipyards of considerable importance have sprung up in the past. Currently you can visit the Museo Remiero di Limite sull'Arno, a museum that displays miniature boats, period photos and tools of the shipwrights. 

Today, life on the river is also and above all made up of heartfelt events and competitions in which the various districts of the city compete. In the past, however, in all likelihood, Limite represented a river port of call used by Etruscan peoples. It is no coincidence that the Via Etrusca is also made to cross the territory of Capraia and Limite, a tour itinerary that in total runs for a good 90 kilometers and that, in this case, reaches the archaeological area of Montereggi, an interesting destination also for the view it offers. The material found in the area is now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Montelupo Fiorentino: it consists mainly of pottery of various shapes, spinning tools, domestic containers, painted ceramics and metal objects. 

On the slopes of Montalbano, amidst woods and olive groves, one encounters, instead, the fortified village of Capraia, an ideal starting point for walks and treks to discover the Empolese Valdelsa and Montalbano. Undoubtedly worthy of a visit are some religious buildings, such as the Chiesa di San jacopo (Church of San Jacopo), in the hamlet of Pulignano, the frescoed Compagnia della SS. Trinità (Company of the Holy Trinity) and the Abbazia di san Martino in Campo (Abbey of San Martino in Campo). The latter, dating from the 12th century, began as a convent and may also have been an ancient hospital for pilgrims. Inside it contains a 19th-century organ and a fresco by a 15th-century Tuscan painter, who depicted a Madonna with Child between Saints Anthony Abbot, Martin, Nicholas and Lucy. Completing the various sites of interest is the Pasquinucci Furnace, an old earthenware kiln in which exhibitions and events are now held.

Limite is closely linked to its proximity to the course of the river Arno: in this stretch, in fact, the waterway had a conformation that favored the work of the "navicellai," (sailors) who had the task of transporting goods to and from the sea. It was precisely in Limite, not surprisingly, that the first society of rowers in Italy was set up in the nineteenth century, and the passion for boats has grown; here, despite the distance from the coast, shipyards of considerable importance have sprung up in the past. Currently you can visit the Museo Remiero di Limite sull'Arno, a museum that displays miniature boats, period photos and tools of the shipwrights. 

Today, life on the river is also and above all made up of heartfelt events and competitions in which the various districts of the city compete. In the past, however, in all likelihood, Limite represented a river port of call used by Etruscan peoples. It is no coincidence that the Via Etrusca is also made to cross the territory of Capraia and Limite, a tour itinerary that in total runs for a good 90 kilometers and that, in this case, reaches the archaeological area of Montereggi, an interesting destination also for the view it offers. The material found in the area is now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Montelupo Fiorentino: it consists mainly of pottery of various shapes, spinning tools, domestic containers, painted ceramics and metal objects. 

On the slopes of Montalbano, amidst woods and olive groves, one encounters, instead, the fortified village of Capraia, an ideal starting point for walks and treks to discover the Empolese Valdelsa and Montalbano. Undoubtedly worthy of a visit are some religious buildings, such as the Chiesa di San jacopo (Church of San Jacopo), in the hamlet of Pulignano, the frescoed Compagnia della SS. Trinità (Company of the Holy Trinity) and the Abbazia di san Martino in Campo (Abbey of San Martino in Campo). The latter, dating from the 12th century, began as a convent and may also have been an ancient hospital for pilgrims. Inside it contains a 19th-century organ and a fresco by a 15th-century Tuscan painter, who depicted a Madonna with Child between Saints Anthony Abbot, Martin, Nicholas and Lucy. Completing the various sites of interest is the Pasquinucci Furnace, an old earthenware kiln in which exhibitions and events are now held.

Events

Local traditions linked to the river's presence come alive during the Palio di San Lorenzo (the third Sunday in July) and the Palio con la Montata (the third Sunday in September), in which the town's districts compete for victory in an exciting regatta on the Arno. During the weeks of the palio, the town is also enlivened by food and wine stands and performances.

 

Local traditions linked to the river's presence come alive during the Palio di San Lorenzo (the third Sunday in July) and the Palio con la Montata (the third Sunday in September), in which the town's districts compete for victory in an exciting regatta on the Arno. During the weeks of the palio, the town is also enlivened by food and wine stands and performances.

 

Typical products

Capraia e Limite falls within the production area of the Toscano GPI Montalbano extra virgin olive oil, made from the Leccino, Frantoio, Moraiolo and Maurino olive varieties. The olives are mostly harvested by hand and processed according to strict regulations.

Capraia e Limite falls within the production area of the Toscano GPI Montalbano extra virgin olive oil, made from the Leccino, Frantoio, Moraiolo and Maurino olive varieties. The olives are mostly harvested by hand and processed according to strict regulations.

Empolese Val d'Elsa and Montalbano