San Giuliano Terme | Asciano Pisano

Asciano is located along the southern slopes of Monte Pisano, in a valley bordered by Monte Faeta to the east and the protected area of Monte Castellare to the west.

In the village is the Church of San Giovanni, documented as far back as the 13th century, although the most interesting work is undoubtedly the Medici Aqueduct, which started here and brought water to Pisa by crossing the so-called Valle delle Fonti. The construction of the aqueduct proved to be a benefit for Asciano. The town and surrounding countryside were in fact deserted due to the repeated flooding of the Arno, which had resulted in a marshy environment. The construction, begun in 1588 and finished in 1613, was started by Cosimo I with the construction of the first underground conduit; later it was decided to continue the aqueduct with raised arches, which are still visible today for a few kilometres.

Another interesting religious building is the Church of Santa Maria, located not far from the aqueduct cistern. The church retains its original 11th-century layout, with a single nave and a semicircular apse. The façade is characterised by three arches on the lower level and five smaller arches on the upper level, decorated with archaic motifs.