Chestnut Festival in San Giovanni alla Vena | Vicopisano

The 17th edition of the chestnut festival takes place on Sunday 12 and 19 October, in Piazza della Repubblica in San Giovanni alla Vena, near the medieval village of Vicopisano. Lunch starts at 12.30pm and from 3pm the food stands open, offering fritters, necci, castagnaccio and roasted chestnuts. Reservations are recommended for lunch.

San Giovanni alla Vena takes its name from a supposed “vein” (vena) that was believed to be gold or some other precious material. Since the Middle Ages, many Pisan families have had their residences in these areas, so much so that beautiful 18th- and 19th-century villas, often with large parks, are still visible today. Its role in the wars between Pisa and Florence is uncertain, although medieval towers still existed until the 19th century, lowered and converted into civilian dwellings.

However, it appears that in 1363 a battle took place near San Giovanni between the Pisan and Florentine troops, known in the sources as the Battle of Bagno alla Vena. On top of the hill overlooking the village is the Oratory of Santa Croce in Castellare, built in 1656, probably on the foundations of an older building (according to some, a castle), but completely rebuilt in 1818.